Atik Mohammed says the New Patriotic Party's decision to convene its National Council as an electoral college to resolve the tie between former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko and his fellow competitor, Francis Addai Nimoh, which has resulted in the former's withdrawal from the contest will hurt the party.
Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, a flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party, has announced his decision to refrain from the upcoming run-off election due to the party's decision to convene its National Council as an electoral college to resolve the tie between him and Addai Nimoh, both of whom secured fifth place in the recently concluded Super Delegates Conference.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee of the NPP, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Mr. Agyarko criticized the move, stating that the National Council's shortlisting of a few individuals to represent the larger body of 955 participants from the first round of voting last Saturday is "unconstitutional".
"It is totally unacceptable to me that such an unconstitutional act can be perpetuated on the altar of expediency. Am I to surmise that the party did not know the cost implication? It is unconscionable that the rules of the game will be changed midstream. Rules and regulations that are flip-flopped in such a manner is only detrimental to fair play and justice. It is a clear violation of the party's constitution and the guidelines for the Special Electoral college. It is an unconstitutional act which I cannot allow myself to be associated with.
"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," he affirmed.
Atik Mohammed has applauded the move by Boakye Agyarko stating this shows he is a "man of principle".
"Let me salute the decision of Mr. Boakye Agyarko. I mean you can't love him any less. Apart from his brilliance and intelligence, he is a man of principle", he told Nana Yaw Kesseh on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.
To him, it is wrong for the NPP to set a rule and alter it midway.
"I think this is something that is going to hurt the party going forward. You cannot alter your rules in the middle of the game. Nobody does that. If you have rules of engagement, follow through to the end...This thing they've done, I think, is a slap on the face of their rules", he bellowed.
Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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Many Ghanaians are calling on the ruling NPP to hold a televised debate so that Ghanaians can assess the 5 candidates. Ghanaians want to know how they will fare as far as macroeconomics, foreign policy and national security, education and agriculture are concerned.
Why not allow the 6 people to go? This is not a big deal.
That is what the ganged up group want to achieve. They want the NPP to go to opposition if it is not them. But their evil ploy will fail. The NPP will win 2024 elections with Dr.
So u see peacefmonline.com biase an the ability notvto withstand the truth, why are they not posting the events on the commission of enquiry to remove Dr. George Akuffo Dampare the IGP. And why is kokrokoo not discussing the session Very unprofessional news portal and station. You are all part of the agenda to plunge the nation into chaos. Concert people
@ KB , in as much as i agree with you that Boakye Agyarko's withdrawal will not impact negatively on the fortunes of the NPP in the 2024 elections, the NPP must respect it's own constitution. Question is, does the constitution of the party makes provision for only the national executives to vote when there is a tie? Even though he has withdrawn there is still the need for the council of elders to engage him. 2024 elections is not going to be easy thus the need to involve everybody because every single vote matters. Attention should not only be on the presidential primaries but more importantly the parliamentary as well. If we go for the first round of the 2024 elections and non of those contesting for president fails to secure the 50% + 1 votes to win the elections, people will look back at the party with majority MP's and the presidential candidate of that party is likely to win because i doubt if Ghanaians will vote for a presidential candidate with a minority in parliament should there be a second round of elections. The NPP should be very careful. It is not everything that you can use your power to do, that is wise to do . Power goes with wisdom.
It is part of their plans to let the NPP go in opposition. Ken Adjapong said it. But they must go back and read what Fmr. President Kuffour said about a member with their party in power or opposition!
Atik, you trying to sensationalise it. For the good of the party and economic conditions in the country, Agyarko should have been reasonable and accept the national executive voting. However, Agyarko is not confident of winning hence withdrawing. Effect of his withdrawal will be insignificant. Do you think NPP members will vote Mahama? Absolutely No. Independent votes are not concerned about Agyarko's withdrawal.