In response to the unexpected withdrawal of Alan Kyerematen from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership race, Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign manager, Kwame Owusu has made it clear that their team would not be intimidated into stepping aside.
During an interview on Accra-based Oman FM in reaction to the withdrawal, Kwame Owusu emphasized their commitment to staying in the race and expressed readiness to respond to any actions taken against them by what he referred to as the ‘establishment.’
“We have the chance to go all the way to win, we are not going to withdraw. As for us, we are not going to withdraw. We would not give anybody that chance, so they can do whatever they want. We would battle with them till the end.”
“And so, everybody should be ready. All our supporters should take heart because we are going all the way. If they intimidate us, we will also intimidate them. As for us, we are ready. We would reply whatever they do… if they use violence, we would reply,” Kwame Owusu declared in Twi.
He also criticized the national council of the NPP for the confusion surrounding the selection of the party’s next leader. He asserted that nothing would deter Kennedy Agyapong from winning the NPP primaries and encouraged supporters of all contenders who had dropped out of the race to join their team.
“Our brother Alan says he is not contesting, Boakye Agyarko also said he is not contesting. All their supporters are welcome to join us. Our bus has a lot of space,” he added.
Background:
Alan Kyerematen, a prominent contender in the NPP flagbearership race, officially withdrew from the competition on September 5, 2023, just a day before the NPP’s scheduled balloting for aspirants competing in the November Congress to choose a successor to Nana Akufo Addo as the party’s flagbearer.
Alan cited reasons such as the intimidation of delegates during the recent Super Delegates conference as factors influencing his decision to step back from the race.
His announcement confirmed earlier reports that he intended to announce his withdrawal during a press conference, which was subsequently postponed and replaced with an official press statement.
It remains uncertain what Alan’s future plans entail, with unconfirmed reports suggesting he may explore the possibility of running as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2024 General Elections.
In the Super Delegates Congress, Alan Kyerematen secured the third position, trailing behind Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong.
