NPP Tradition Does Not Reward Poor Electoral Performance – Kennedy Agyapong Aims A Dig At Bawumia

Kennedy Agyapong, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant and Member of Parliament, has emphasized that the party’s long-standing tradition does not favor granting second chances to flagbearers who deliver unsatisfactory results in national elections. Speaking during a condolence visit to Mampong in the Ashanti Region following the passing of the Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Agyapong referenced the party’s electoral history to caution against what he termed as misguided loyalty.

Addressing a gathering of party supporters, Agyapong stated, “The NPP has never rewarded poor performance. If you fail to meet expectations, you are not given another opportunity. That is how serious our party is.” His remarks were met with applause from grassroots members and sympathizers in attendance.

Agyapong, known for his outspoken nature, argued that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, should not anticipate a second chance following what he described as a disappointing electoral outcome. “Dr. Bawumia led the party into an election where our performance fell short, and as history has shown, the NPP does not offer repeat chances under such circumstances,” he asserted.

Historical Precedents Support NPP’s Stance on Performance

The former Assin Central MP dismissed suggestions that the NPP routinely grants multiple opportunities to its presidential candidates, citing historical examples to reinforce his point. He referenced the late Professor Albert Adu Boahen, the party’s first presidential candidate in the 1992 elections, who was not re-endorsed despite his pivotal role in Ghana’s transition to democratic governance.

“Prof. Adu Boahen was a trailblazer in the fight against military rule and played a crucial role in restoring multiparty democracy. Yet, after the 1992 defeat, he was replaced. This demonstrates that the NPP prioritizes performance over sentiment,” Agyapong explained.

He contrasted this with the cases of former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, both of whom were given second chances—but, he clarified, only due to their strong electoral showings.

“President Kufuor had limited time to campaign in 1996, yet his performance was strong enough to warrant another opportunity in 2000. That is the NPP’s standard—exceptional results,” Agyapong noted.

A Call for Accountability in Leadership Selection

Agyapong’s comments underscore a broader debate within the NPP regarding accountability and meritocracy in selecting its flagbearers. His stance suggests that the party’s leadership should be reserved for candidates who demonstrate the ability to secure electoral victories, rather than those who benefit from internal loyalties.

As the NPP reflects on its 2024 performance and prepares for future contests, Agyapong’s remarks may fuel discussions on whether the party will maintain its historical approach or reconsider its criteria for leadership succession.

For now, his message is clear: in the NPP, performance matters—and poor results are not rewarded with second chances.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com