The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed concern over the emergence of independent candidates among its members in some constituencies across the country.
The national chairman of the party, Stephen Ntim, says the party will embark on a reconciliation exercise across the country to bring all failed and aggrieved members on board ahead of the December 7 general elections.
“The NPP as a political party is not happy with these issues of independent candidates. After this election, we, the national executives, will embark on a reconciliation exercise to bring all on board.”
Kwabena Aduomi, who broke away from the NPP to re-contest the election as an Independent Candidate had alleged that the governing party was plotting victory with intimidating tactics to win back the late John Kumah’s seat.
But addressing a crowd at Ejisu on Sunday, President Akufo-Addo expressed indifference towards Aduomi’s departure from the party, urging voters to dismiss his claims of electoral manipulation.
He further questioned the fairness of Aduomi’s rigging allegations given his prior victories under the NPP banner.
“In 2008, when he defeated the incumbent MP, who was even a Cabinet Minister, did the NPP rig the elections for him? So why does he now allege that we will rig the elections just because he has been defeated by someone else? Is this fair?” he asked.
The President also raised concerns about hidden influences on the independent candidate’s campaign, implying the interference of undisclosed entities aiming to wrestle the seat from the NPP.
“We oppose any independent candidate whose background is unknown to us. We’re uncertain if influential figures are influencing their decisions. We refuse to accept this. It’s not something we’ll tolerate.”
Tuesday’s by-elections, the third in nearly a year, was triggered after incumbent MP, John Ampontuah Kumah died after battling a brief illness.
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