One of the leading members in the NPP flagbearership race, Alan Kyerematen has officially withdrawn from the race.
Alan cites the intimidation to delegates in the recently held Super Delegates conference among others as some of the reasons that have informed his decision to drop out of the race.
“The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party. In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eyesight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable.”
Alan wished his colleagues who will be contesting in the race the best of luck while thanking his family and team for their unflinching support.
“Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th of September 2023.
In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023. In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well- wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups.”
The announcement confirms earlier reports that the former Trade Minister planned on stepping down when he scheduled a press conference this afternoon.
That press conference was later postponed until a press statement was released a few minutes ago to officially confirm the decision of Alan.
It is unclear what Alan will do in the near future. There are unconfirmed reports he could explore the possibility of running as an independent candidate ahead of the 2024 General Elections.
Alan came third in the Super Delegates Congress, behind vice president Mahammud Bawumia and Kennedy Agyepong.
More soon
