NPP Super Delegates Congress: Bawumia tipped to top aspirants Alan, Kennedy battle for second spot
Five of the 11 aspirants who have picked nomination forms to contest for the flag bearer position of the New Patriotic Party ( NPP) will scale through on August 26 while six will have their dream of leading the party in the 2024 presidential election crashed.
The party,in a press statement dated Monday, June 12, 2023, issued by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said the national congress for the Special Electoral College, which will select five candidates to contest in the November 4th presidential primary will be held on August 26th.
The all-male aspirants who picked nomination forms are Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Boakye Agyarko, Francis Addai-Nimoh, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Kojo Nsafoa Poku, Joe Ghartey, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, and Odeneho Nana Oppong.
Top five
But, who are the five aspirants likely to battle it out to become the flag bearer for the crucial elections on December 7, 2024?
Painstaking research by The Thunder points to Dr Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong and Alan Kyetematen as the top three, with the remaining two due to be known by Friday, June 16.
Bawumia tipped to win
The research however showed that although all the aspirants qualify for the top position, Vice President Bawumia is in poll position to emerge winner in the presidential primary.
The Simon Fraser University-trained economist is seen as the one with the wherewithal to break the eight-year election cycle between the NPP and NDC and therefore attracts the biggest support of potential delegates.
Kennedy and Alan were neck-to-neck for the second position.
Most of the key people who matter in the party and government are currently leading Dr Bawumia’s campaign.
The NPP presidential polls in mostly constituency-based with polling stations and electoral area coordinators, constituency executives, council of elders, patrons, and sitting MPs playing important roles in the campaign.
Across the country, many of these groups/persons have already declared their support for Dr Bawumia.
“The chairmen of the constituencies are in control of the Bawumia campaign, and they have hit the ground running at the grassroots. Majority of our MPs and government officials have openly declared for him, “ a constituency chairman, who pleaded anonymity said in an interview.
Dr Bawumia is the most active Vice President in the history of the 4th Republic, and our research further indicated that of all the aspirants, he is the one the NDC fears most. He resonates well with the rank and file of the party.
Alan and Ken
Alan and Ken are thorough-bred party men having played various important roles in building the party over the years. Kennedy seemed to be stronger on the ground, above Alan.
But, the former Minister of Trade and Industry has vast experience in terms of fighting for the presidential candidate of the NPP. One of them will come second in the super delegates congress but for now, it is close to call.
Remaining two
Look out in our Friday, June 16, 2023 edition for details of the remaining two aspirants likely to emerge from the special delegates congress to join the first three in the presidential primary .
