In a decisive victory, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emerged as the winner of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) super delegates conference, garnering 629 votes, which translates to 68.15% of the total vote.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong secured second place with 132 votes, representing 14.30%, while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, equivalent to 10.29%.
The results pave the way for both Bawumia and Agyapong to contest in the NPP's presidential primaries scheduled for November. Notably, this marks the first presidential bid for either candidate, while Kyerematen has been in the race since 2007 without clinching the party's nomination.
With the November primaries looming, Bawumia and Agyapong face the formidable task of securing the support of over 200,000 delegates nationwide to clinch the NPP's flagbearer position. The ultimate victor will then confront the opposition National Democratic Congress's John Dramani Mahama in the December 2024 general election.
Dr. Bawumia's triumph is viewed as a significant boost to his presidential aspirations, given his status as the incumbent vice president and perceived reliability among party members.
Kennedy Agyapong's unexpected second-place finish marks a notable upset. Despite his controversial nature, Agyapong's popularity and outspokenness have earned him a strong following. His performance in the super delegates conference positions him as a potential dark horse in the forthcoming primaries.
As the November primaries approach, the competition intensifies. While Bawumia holds a clear advantage, Agyapong's emergence underscores the unpredictability of the race. The outcome of the primaries will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the 2024 general election.