Former Member of Parliament and ex-NPP presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyapong has declared that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) does not give second chances to candidates who perform poorly, especially when selecting a flagbearer for national elections. He made this statement while addressing party supporters in Mampong, Ashanti Region, during a visit to mourn the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu.
Speaking to influential grassroots members and sympathizers, Agyapong reflected on the party’s tradition of backing candidates with strong electoral records rather than those with weak results. He pointed out that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer, led the party into an election with what Agyapong described as an “abysmal” performance and should therefore not expect re-endorsement.
Agyapong dismissed claims that the NPP routinely grants presidential candidates more than one chance. He cited the example of the late Prof. Albert Adu Boahen, who, despite his significant role in resisting military dictatorship and advancing multiparty democracy, was not given another opportunity after his 1992 election defeat. “That tells you our party is serious about performance,” he said.
He contrasted this with former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, both of whom received second chances due to their strong showings in previous elections. Agyapong noted that Kufuor’s impressive performance in the 1996 election, despite limited campaign time, earned him another chance in 2000, exemplifying the NPP’s standard for performance.
His remarks underscore the party’s focus on electoral success as the key criterion for candidate endorsement, signaling that poor results will not be rewarded with additional opportunities to lead the party in national elections.
