Presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has appealed to his supporters to remain calm, disciplined and united following early results from the party’s presidential primaries that showed him trailing in the contest.
Addressing the media as results from several constituencies were collated, Mr Agyapong stressed the importance of respecting the party’s internal democratic process. According to him, the voice of the delegates must be accepted in good faith.
“We have to stay calm. We believe in the party. The delegates have spoken, and we have to take it,” he said.
He issued a strong warning to his supporters against directing anger or frustration toward other party members, noting that such actions could damage party unity. He urged them to put the collective interest of the NPP above individual ambitions.
“Do not use this against anybody in the party. Once they have decided, let’s all come together as party members and work together,” he stated.
Reflecting on his long political career, Mr Agyapong reminded his supporters that defeat is a natural part of politics. He explained that experience had prepared him for both victory and loss.
“In politics, you can win, you can lose. I’m a veteran politician, so I know. I’ve gone through several defeats,” he said, adding that he had mentally prepared himself for any outcome.
“I cushioned myself and expected the worst, and the worst has happened. But the worst doesn’t mean that it is the end of life,” he noted.
Mr Agyapong also rejected calls by some supporters suggesting protest voting or withdrawal of support from the party, insisting that slogans such as “no Ken, no vote” should not be entertained.
“Don’t say ‘no Ken, no vote’. If it had been Ken, what would other contestants’ supporters have said? So ‘no Ken, no vote’ should be out,” he emphasized.
Despite the setback, the outspoken politician expressed gratitude to his campaign team for their dedication and commitment throughout the race. He encouraged them to remain hopeful and trust in divine timing.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Team Ken for the wonderful work you’ve done. We all admit we worked hard, but God’s time is the best. He knows what is good for us,” he said.
Mr Agyapong concluded by urging his supporters not to lose heart, reminding them that life and opportunity remain even after political disappointment.
“I know most of you are dejected. You have to keep your spirit up, because once we have life, we have everything. So don’t be dejected,” he added.
