Boakye Agyarko, one of the four contenders for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership, has withdrawn from the race. This means that David Oppong Kyeremeh and Alan Kyerematen will proceed to a run-off election on Saturday, September 2, 2023.
Agyarko made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. He said he had taken the decision after careful consideration and consultation with his family and supporters.
"I have decided to withdraw my candidature for the position of NPP flagbearer," Agyarko said in the statement. "This decision was not easy, but I believe it is in the best interests of the party."
Agyarko said he was confident that both Oppong Kyeremeh and Kyerematen would be able to lead the NPP to victory in the 2024 general election. He urged all party members to support the winner of the run-off election.
The NPP flagbearership race has been closely contested. Agyarko, Oppong Kyeremeh, Kyerematen, and former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, were all considered to be frontrunners.
Agyarko's withdrawal from the race is a major blow to his chances of becoming the NPP flagbearer. However, it is also a boost for Oppong Kyeremeh and Kyerematen, who will now have a better chance of winning the run-off election.
The run-off election will be held in Accra on Saturday, September 2, 2023. The winner of the run-off election will be the NPP flagbearer and will face the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer in the 2024 general election.
What does Agyarko's withdrawal mean for the NPP?
Agyarko's withdrawal from the NPP flagbearership race is a major blow to his chances of becoming the party's next leader. However, it is also a boost for Oppong Kyeremeh and Kyerematen, who will now have a better chance of winning the run-off election.
Agyarko's withdrawal could also have a significant impact on the outcome of the 2024 general election. If the NPP is able to unite behind a single candidate, they will be in a much stronger position to defeat the NDC. However, if the party remains divided, it could hand the NDC an easy victory.
