Former Assin Central Member of Parliament and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has pledged to unite the party if he wins the ongoing presidential primaries, a promise that has sparked skepticism among party observers amid lingering divisions within the NPP.
Speaking to Channel One News at a polling centre in Assin Central on Saturday, January 31, Mr Agyapong claimed he would be able to bring the party together if he emerges victorious. However, his comments come at a time when the party continues to struggle with internal rancour following previous contentious primaries.
“If I’m the winner, I will be able to bring the party together,” he stated.
Despite his assurances, critics argue that the party’s history of bruising internal contests — including the chaotic 2023 presidential primaries — casts doubt on such optimistic claims. Mr Agyapong himself acknowledged the toxic nature of internal campaigns, admitting that “words are used which are not palatable,” though he urged party members not to allow disagreements to lead to defections.
His confidence in a fair electoral process this time around appears to contrast sharply with widespread concerns over alleged manipulation and mistrust that have plagued earlier internal elections.
“I don’t think there will be a repetition of what happened in 2023,” he said, expressing hope rather than certainty that irregularities would be avoided.
As delegates cast their votes nationwide, Mr Agyapong openly appealed for massive support, urging them to “vote number one,” a move some critics interpret as premature confidence in a deeply fractured contest.
The NPP presidential primaries feature a crowded field including former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, underscoring the high stakes and internal tensions within the ruling party.
