New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has conceded defeat in the party’s presidential primary, calling on supporters to remain calm and united as the party prepares for the future.
Provisional results from the election indicate that former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is in a commanding lead with over 55 per cent of the votes, ahead of Mr Agyapong and other contenders, including Dr Bryan Acheampong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyepong.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, January 31, Mr Agyapong said he had mentally prepared himself for either outcome, describing defeat as part of political life.
“I am a veteran politician, so I know. I have gone through several defeats, so I cushion myself and expected the worst, and the worst has happened, but the worst doesn’t mean that is the end of life,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, the outspoken lawmaker urged his supporters not to turn the outcome into a source of division within the party.
“Once they have decided, let’s all come together as party members and work together. You should all relax,” he appealed.
Mr Agyapong stressed that the party still has time ahead of the 2028 general elections and encouraged patience and restraint among his followers.
“I know we have three years to go. Who knows what will happen? So I want you to be patient,” he stated, cautioning supporters against withdrawing their support for the party.
In an emotional appeal, he reminded supporters that the same unity would have been expected from others if the outcome had gone in his favour.
“If it had been Ken, what would other contestants and supporters have said? … Let’s come together as one people,” he said.
Mr Agyapong also struck a reflective tone, attributing the outcome to destiny and faith.
“God will take care of you. He knows today was going to come. We didn’t know, but God that created us knew today would definitely come to pass,” he added.
He ended his address on a lighter note, urging supporters to remain calm and optimistic about the future.
“Go in there, eat. We have champagne, wine, and beer. Eat what you can eat. And let’s see what tomorrow has for us,” he concluded.
