The New Patriotic Party has called off the run-off scheduled for September 2, 2023 run-off to break the tie between Francis Addai-Nimoh and Boakye Agyarko who were contesting to be flagbearers for the party.
According to a letter addressed to Mr. Boakye Agyarko, the reason for cancelling the run-off was due to his withdrawal from the race as explained by Chairman of the NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye.
The run-off was intended to break the tie between the two contenders to decide on a fifth candidate who will join four other successful candidates.
But a letter from Chairman of the party’s Presidential Elections Committee reads as follows: “We take notice of your decision to withdraw from the contest and therefore the run-off election scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023, will no longer be held.”
Mr. Boakye Agyarko withdrew with the explanation that “I refuse to be a part of such an act that seeks to unjustly truncate a previously agreed upon process, and cannot be part of what is about to be done on Saturday, 2nd September 2023. I cannot, with a clear conscience make such an impermissible concession to such an errant decision. I, therefore, respectfully, serve this notice to refrain from such a contest. As always, I wish the party well”
Prior to Mr. Agyarko’s withdrawal, his colleague Francis Addai Nimoh, declared that he is not willing to step down for any candidate ahead of the planned run-off on Saturday.
He made reference to the guidelines set by the party should there be a tie in the elections thus insisting on a run-off.
Mr. Addai-Nimoh said that “for now, I am still in the race. According to the rules or the guidelines, we agreed that if there is a tie for the fifth position, then there should be a run-off on September 2. That is what we put in the guidelines. But the guideline is a document approved by the National Council.”
After the end of the Super delegates congress, Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, came first polling 67.10% of the total votes cast and was followed by Kennedy Agyapong who garnered 14.15% of the total votes cast.
The Trades Minister, Alan Kyerematen came third with 10.85% of the total votes cast, and former Agric Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto came fourth with 4.01%.