Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, says he has turned down several calls on him to contest the 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate and he has decided to remain a loyal member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Kennedy Agyapong, who contested the NPP presidential primaries and polled the second highest number of votes was recently seen supporting Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia, the 2024 flag-bearer of the NPP on a campaign tour of the Ashanti Region.
Mr. Agyapong, speaking to friends and party faithful on Sunday at a ceremony to mark his 64th birthday said his mind is firmed up to back Dr. Bawumia and called on the party to close ranks because the internal primaries are over.
READ ALSO: NPP Closes Ranks With Kennedy Agyapong Joins Bawumia
He noted:
“I followed the Vice President to the Ashanti Region and this did not go well with some of you. Let me apologise for not informing you before I went there
“What I want all the party faithful to know is that I have not resigned from the party. I am not going independent. I am still an NPP member.
“Once I am a party member no matter what happened during the primary, I think we are all party people and it would be best for all of us to come together so I am pleading with my supporters, let us use my birthday to reconcile.
“I am also appealing to Vice President’s supporters. I know they are intimidating my supporters. If they want us to come together and unite for a united front, then they should also reciprocate the same favours I am rendering on behalf of my supporters.
READ ALSO: Bawumia Preaches Religious Tolerance
“So I am pleading with both sides, we have finished the primaries. The vice President has won therefore there is no Kennedy Agyapong supporters, no Vice President supporters.
“If you know me very well, I am not selfish. People have come to me several times to go independent. I think that is not a wise thing to do and therefore I have refused to do that. Therefore I am pleading with the supporters and NPP party supporters, NPP people at large everywhere, that with a united front, we can win the elections in 2024.
“I am glad the National Chairman is here. I know he is listening attentively and he would report to the party. We are all one. Let us come together and win 2024”, Kennedy Agyapong stated.
Kennedy contested Dr. Bawumia during the party’s presidential primaries and gave the winner a ‘showdown’ by placing second though he was a late entrant. Another contestant who had even lesser votes than Kennedy has resigned the party and flown away in a butterfly style.
Kennedy’s appearance with Dr. Bawumia during the Ashnati Region tour was seen as a brilliant move which proved his critics wrong and ended speculations that he was no more in support of an NPP presidential victory.
His presence was interpreted by many as a sign of unity and closing of ranks ahead of the December polls.
READ ALSO: Groups put pressure on Kennedy Agyapong to contest as independent candidate in 2024 polls
During the tour, the atmosphere at the Suame Magazine vehicle spare parts market was charged as artisans and party supporters became excited when Ken was introduced as part of the Vice President’s entourage.
“I wish to, on behalf of the Vice President and the NPP thank you all for making time to come and listen to the message. God bless you all”, Kennedy Agyapong noted in a brief remark.
Before meeting the artisans, Kennedy Agyapong was spotted on the campaign bus chatting with Dr Bawumia, one of the rare scenes after the flag-bearer primaries.
