NPP flagbearer aspirant Alan Kyerematen has confirmed rumours that he is bowing out of the presidential contest for his party.
Rumours
Since Monday, September 4, reports have been rife that Mr. Kyerematen wanted to quit the presidential race, with some alluding to an independence status in the 2024 elections.
Mr. Kyerematen’s office released a flyer saying that the former Trade Minister will be addressing the press on Tuesday at 10 a.m. A newly communicated time of 2 p.m. was announced a few hours later by his office.
Before midday, the office released another announcement that the scheduled press conference had been cancelled until further notice.
Confirmation
On the evening of September 5th, Mr. Kyerematen stated in a press statement that he could not continue to participate in the process to elect a flagbearer for the NPP, citing intimidation of his team and a biased process.
“After having analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me that the events leading to, during, and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant”, he said.
Mr. Kyerematen was of the view that the bias would continue even in the main polls on November 4, hence he couldn’t continue to be a candidate.
“Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have mentioned earlier would not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th of September 2023.”
“In the 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 4th of November 2023.”
Future
On his political prospects going forward, Alan Kyerematen said that he would be conferring with his family, well-wishers, and other interested parties to “provide an indication of the role” he will play in politics.
Alan Kyerematen, who has been a leading candidate for the primaries, according to pollsters, placed third (10.29%) in the first round of elections, trailing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (68.15%) and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (14.30%).
