Former Majority Leader and former Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has said he was surprised by Kennedy Agyapong’s 37 per cent performance in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2023 presidential primary and believes that level of support may drop in the next contest.
In an interview, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained that Mr Agyapong’s showing was largely influenced by widespread public dissatisfaction at the time, as well as the decision by Alan Kyerematen to withdraw from the race.
He also rejected claims that Members of Parliament had organised support for any specific candidate during the primary, insisting there was no coordinated parliamentary backing for any aspirant.
According to him, trust rather than public declarations of support is the key determinant of electoral success within the party.
“If people have trust in you, it doesn’t matter who publicly declares their support; you will win. I was surprised by Ken’s 37 per cent. I believe he benefited from the discontent within the system and from Alan pulling out of the race. It’s possible that things may not be the same this time, even among those who have openly declared their support,” he added.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that circumstances have since changed and suggested that Mr Agyapong may struggle to replicate his 2023 performance.
He further expressed confidence in former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, saying his message resonates strongly with party supporters.
“Sometimes, the loudest team does not win; rather, it’s the one that is well prepared. The message that Bawumia carries resonates with the people,” he said.
He predicted that Dr Bawumia could secure a significantly higher share of the vote, projecting close to 70 per cent, depending largely on turnout and performance in the Ashanti Region.
“I believe the elections will go well for him, and he will receive a better percentage than he did in 2023. His performance will largely depend on what happens in the Ashanti Region, but I’m anticipating around 70 per cent support for Bawumia,” he said on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme.
