Boakye Agyarko withdraws from NPP presidential run-off over legal breaches

Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, a presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party, has publicly withdrew from the impending run-off poll to choose the 5th candidate.

After the NPP said that its National Council will set up an electoral college to break the tie between Mr. Agyarko and his rival Francis Addai Nimoh, who finished tied for fifth place in the recently concluded super delegate conference, Mr. Agyarko announced his retirement.

Mr. Ayarko claimed in a press release that it was unlawful for the National Council to choose just a few people to represent the 955 participants in the first round.

Mr. Agyarko claimed that the creation of an electoral college violates the party’s constitution in addition to other legal violations.

“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 | cannot allow myself to be associated with,” portions of his statement read.

The former energy minister claims that in light of this, he cannot, with good conscience, participate in an election that unfairly truncates a previously approved procedure.

Read the letter below:

Six NPP presidential candidates easily passed the party’s Super Delegates Conference on Saturday, August 26.

Kennedy Agyapong received 15.03% (132) of the votes cast, trailing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by 68.15% (629) of the total votes cast.

With 10.29% (95) of the total votes cast, Alan Kyerematen finished in third place. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto finished in fourth place with 3.90% (36).

Boakye Kyeremateng Ayarko and Francis Addai Nimoh tied for fifth place with nine votes each, despite the Super Delegates Conference being anticipated to help choose five candidates.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com