The four aspirants vying for the position of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagbearer have signed an undertaking, committing to remain in the party even if they do not secure victory in the primary elections scheduled for Saturday.
This decision emerged from a meeting between the National Council of Elders and the presidential aspirants, where it was agreed that they would accept the results of the primary, prioritize the party's interests, and not resign in case of defeat.
Justin Frimpong Koduah, the General Secretary of the NPP, spoke to the press following the meeting and explained the terms of the undertaking: “We were able to get all the four aspirants to sign an undertaking, and in summary, they are to accept the primary results and promote peace and cohesion. If they don't win, they will not resign from the party and will support the winner of the primary.”
The aspirants have further pledged to “ensure and enforce mechanisms that have been established by the party and also work within the timelines and duration that have been established by the party from now till the results are declared and to respect the decision of the delegates of our party.”
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Council of Elders expressed concern about the state of the party, suggesting that personal interests have led to disunity.
He noted that the flagbearer race has occasionally caused intense debates and disagreements within the party, emphasizing the need for unity among the presidential aspirants after the primary.
The NPP is set to select its flagbearer this Saturday, with Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia being the frontrunner.
Other contenders include Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, former Minister for Agriculture Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh.