Parliamentary aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akuapem South Constituency have demanded the withdrawal of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Frank Aidoo from the upcoming parliamentary primary, citing eligibility concerns.
Eric Yeboah Apeadu, Eric Samuel Annor-Mensah, and Kwame Ofori Gyau, the vocal challengers, are also pressing the party’s leadership for a clear timeline on the rescheduled primary, originally slated for January 27, 2024.
The call for action came to a head during a press conference, where the aspirants vocalized the escalating crisis within the constituency, urging prompt intervention to safeguard the democratic ethos of the party.
The controversy was ignited following the deferment of the scheduled primaries due to the incumbent MP, Hon. O.B Amoah’s withdrawal, compounded by Frank Aidoo’s controversial petition for candidacy despite missing the vetting process.
In a statement, the aspirants said, “Campaigning was underway for all of us when the MP wrote to the General Secretary that he was withdrawing from the contest in accordance with the elections regulations.”
“Instead of the process continuing, we were informed that the MCE for Akuapem South, Mr. Frank Aidoo had petitioned that he should be allowed to contest even though he had not been vetted at the vetting on 4th January, 2024 held at the regional minister’s residence in Koforidua.”
“We believe that the decision to allow the MCE’s petition to stop the election process is unfair and not in accordance with the election’s regulations.
They argued that the situation transcends their individual candidacies, reflecting broader concerns for the NPP and the constituents who are entitled to a fair and timely electoral process.
“The current deadlock is a perilous precedent that could disenfranchise our supporters,” the trio warned in their joint petition.
Their demands were clear: for the party’s General Secretary, Regional Chairman, and Constituency Chairman to immediately announce a new date for the primaries, stressing that any further delay could instigate confusion, crisis, and instability within the constituency.
Amid these developments, the constituency’s delegates have rallied behind the aspirants’ cause, further demanding Frank Aidoo abstain from the primary.
They argue that after eight-year tenure as MCE with negligible achievements, it’s time for new leadership.
As the situation unfolds, both aspirants and supporters are in a holding pattern, eagerly awaiting a resolution that reaffirms the party’s commitment to democratic principles and ensures the electoral process moves forward without further hindrance.