A section of the delegates during the press conference
Some concerned members and polling station executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Akuapem South have called for the party’s primary to be held this week in the constituency.
The constituency poll, scheduled for January 27, 2024, was postponed due to a petition filed by the Municipal Chief Executive, Frank Aidoo.
Mr. Aidoo is requesting that the party’s leadership allow him to run in the primary following the withdrawal from the parliamentary race of the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, O.B. Amoah.
But some NPP members have raised issues, asserting the MCE was not even vetted.
Three candidates, Eric Yeboah Apeadu, Eric Samuel Annor-Mensah, and Kwame Ofori Gyau, were vetted and approved to run in the parliamentary election.
Addressing a news conference in Aburi on Friday, the NPP delegates said the party’s inability to hold its parliamentary primary on January 27, has created panic, apprehension, and anxiety among members and constituents.
Spokesperson for the group, Seth Frimpong also indicated that the daily operational costs of the three aspirants have escalated within the area, placing an increased financial toll on NPP members and constituents.
He has appealed to the governing party’s leadership to announce a date for the election as soon as possible.
The NPP leadership issued a statement announcing the postponement of the constituency’s elections after receiving a letter from the incumbent MP, O. B. Amoah, stating his desire to step down from the race.
However, Seth Frimpong stated that the party’s continued delay in picking a parliamentary candidate may have an impact on its fortunes in the upcoming general election.
“The ongoing delay continues to escalate the operational costs for the aspirants and the broader operations within our constituency, placing an increased financial toll on our NPP members and constituents,” he stressed.
According to him, it is critical to avoid any further delays in preparing for the 2024 general election as early preparations are necessary in fostering healing and reconciliation, paving the way for a united and prepared party.
“We also plead that the leadership of our party allows the election to take place by the 7th of February, 2024,” he added.
Other members of the group who shared their frustrations with journalists, called on the leadership of the party to intervene immediately to avoid the party losing the seat to their opponents.
“We believe that any of the three aspirants named in the notice of the poll possesses the capability and potential to win the seat for the NPP in Akuapem South.
“The National Democratic Congress has already elected its parliamentary candidate, highlighting the urgency and importance for the NPP to expedite our electoral processes,” a Polling Station Executive, Samuel Okata, stated.