The National Liberation Congress (NLC) and the Ghana Alternative Party (GAP) have jointly announced their withdrawal from the upcoming December 7, 2024, general election.
The decision follows a series of challenges, including delays in obtaining party certifications and a lack of time to register an alliance logo with the Electoral Commission (EC).
This was contained in a statement issued after an emergency meeting on September 11, 2024, chaired by the leader and founder of GAP, Osahene Nana Agyei Boateng.
Both parties had previously agreed to field Stephen Atubiga as an independent presidential candidate due to the NLC’s certification issues.
However, after extensive consultations with voters and assessments of the political landscape, they have decided to withdraw entirely from the race.
“The Independent candidature venture will not make any impact in this election, as the race is narrowed down between the NDC and the NPP,” Boateng stated, reflecting the alliance’s observations from interactions with voters across the country’s 268 districts.
The parties cited several key reasons for their decision, including voters’ concerns that backing an independent candidate would be futile in an election where the main contenders are Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former president John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“Most voters or people have told us because voting for any independent candidate is a waste of their votes,” the statement elaborated, adding that many felt the country’s critical economic situation made it important to choose between the two leading parties.
The alliance also noted that while some citizens expressed willingness to support a strong third party, they believed this could only happen if all smaller parties and independent candidates united to form a formidable alternative.
“In view of just a few observations on the grounds, decisions were taken to withdraw from the election,” the statement concluded.
The NLC and GAP, however, hinted at their intention to continue their alliance and are open to supporting any party that adopts their vision and manifesto.
The alliance thanked its supporters and vowed to remain engaged in shaping the country’s political future.