Assin Central lawmaker, Kennedy Agyapong has lashed out those claiming that he is not capable enough to be a presidential candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The maverick MP is among personalities who have declared their intentions to contest for the NPP flagbearership position ahead of the 2024 polls.
Despite being a stalwart member of the NPP, some believes he is not fit enough for the position.
Addressing party delegates in Koforidua, Kennedy Agyapong touted his commitment and achievements for the NPP indicating that he has been loyal to the party even in difficult moment.
“I have really suffered for the party, I have done a lot for the party, I have spent my money on lots of NPP activities. I bought pick-ups for party members for their campaign in 2016. I boldly stood up and spoke against the brutalities that were meted out to Ursula Owusu, Abu Jinapor and others by NDC members in registration centres in the Odododiodoo in 2012. Who can say he has defended NPP through his radio station more than me?”
“After we lost the 2008 elections, everyone kept quiet, but I did some outdoor programmes on Oman FM encouraging NPP members not to give up. Today they are saying I’m not a presidential material, what is presidential material? Is presidential material someone who can speak good English and not care about the welfare of the youth?”
He charged the delegates to vote for a presidential candidate who has a proven track record and can retain power for the NPP in 2024.
“My advice goes to all the delegates to try and make the right choice in the election of a presidential candidate for the party. You will bear the brunt if you make wrong choices that will send the party into opposition. Make no mistake during the primaries to elect just any candidate. I will use the little money I have for myself till I die and not spend on party members,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NPP has scheduled November 4, 2023, as the date for its presidential primaries to select a flagbearer for the general elections in 2024.
According to the party, if more than five candidates file to run in the primaries, the party will call a Special Congress on August 26.
The nomination period for the presidential primaries will begin on May 26 and end on June 24, 2023 while the parliamentary primaries will be held in February 2024.
Nominations will be accepted between December 20, 2023, and January 4, 2024 which means the party will choose its Presidential Candidate first before its parliamentary candidates.
In addition, the National Council has barred National, Regional, Constituency Party Executives and MMDCEs from contesting in constituencies where the party has sitting Members of Parliament.
