New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has conceded defeat in the ongoing presidential primaries, urging his supporters to accept the outcome and maintain unity within the party.
Speaking to the media as provisional results from various constituencies showed him trailing behind former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Mr Agyapong emphasised the importance of discipline and respect for the party’s internal democratic processes.
“We have to stay calm. We believe in the party. The delegates have spoken, and we have to take it,” he said.
He cautioned his supporters against any actions that could divide the party or target other members and aspirants.
“Do not use this against anybody in the party. Once they have decided, let’s all come together as party members and work together,” Mr Agyapong added.
Drawing from his extensive experience in politics, the Assin Central former MP reminded his backers that defeat is a normal part of the political journey.
“In politics, you can win, you can lose. I’m a veteran politician, so I know. I’ve gone through several defeats,” he stated.
He revealed that he had mentally prepared for any possible result.
“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 said.
Mr Agyapong specifically discouraged any notions of withholding support for the eventual winner, rejecting slogans like “no Ken, no vote.”
“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 advised.
He expressed gratitude to his campaign team, known as Team Ken, for their dedication and hard work throughout the race.
“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,” Mr Agyapong said.
Acknowledging the disappointment among his supporters, he appealed to them to remain positive and resilient.
“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 concluded.
Provisional results trickling in from polling stations across the country indicate that Dr Bawumia has taken a commanding lead in most regions, positioning him as the frontrunner to be declared the NPP’s flagbearer for the upcoming elections.