The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accepted Alan Kyerematen’s decision to withdraw from the party’s upcoming Presidential Primaries scheduled for November 4, 2023.
On Tuesday, September 5, Alan Kyerematen issued a statement indicating his withdrawal from the race and claims of being intimidated by officials.
In the statement announcing his withdrawal, the former Trade Minister said, “The question I keep asking myself is, “How did we get here as a Party in the first place, and how far are we prepared to tread on this dangerous path to self-destruction?”
“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.
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”.
Responding to Mr. Kyerematen’s withdrawal, a statement signed by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said it acknowledges receipt of the statement and regrets his withdrawal from the race.
The statement also said “Both the Elections and the Disciplinary Committees have initiated comprehensive investigations into all reported incidents of violations and infractions alleged to have occurred at various voting centers during the Super Delegates election last month.
The statement further assured all stakeholders that the reports of the aforementioned committees will be made readily available and persons found culpable of any wrongdoing will be held accountable.
Meanwhile, the party continues with processes including balloting for the remaining four aspirants in the Presidential primaries.
Balloting for the November 4 primaries which was scheduled for Wednesday, September 6 was put on hold after a meeting between the aspirants and members of the Presidential Election Committee.
Spokesman for the Committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, stated that a new date for the balloting exercise would be set once the elections committee and aspirants come to a common understanding on some issues.
The four aspirants left in the race are; Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh
See statement below