Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has formally conceded defeat in the New Patriotic Party presidential primary, urging his supporters to steady their emotions and stay committed to the party’s long-term cause as provisional results put former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia firmly in the lead.
Speaking to members of his campaign operation, including the core “Team Ken,” as early tallies began to shape the outcome, the veteran politician and businessman struck a conciliatory tone. He expressed gratitude to his supporters for their energy and loyalty while cautioning them against allowing disappointment to fracture party unity.
“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 said, describing himself as a “veteran politician” who has learned to absorb both victory and loss.
Mr Agyapong framed the outcome as part of the uncertainties that define political life, noting that he had prepared himself mentally for any result. “In politics, you can win, you can lose… I cushioned myself and expected the worst, and the worst has happened, but the worst doesn’t mean that is the end of life,” he told his team.
He also paused to recognise the effort behind his campaign, singling out his coordinator and praising the collective work of the team. “At an appropriate time, we’ll meet and dine together,” he said, signalling that the bonds formed during the contest would endure beyond the primary.
A significant portion of his remarks focused on discipline within the NPP, with a clear warning against actions that could inflame tensions or deepen divisions. “I’m pleading with all of you not to do anything. We have to stay calm. We believe in the party. The delegates have spoken. We have to take it,” he emphasized.
He reinforced the point by appealing for restraint and cooperation across all camps. “Do not use this against anybody in the party… Let’s all come together as party members and work together,” he said, reminding supporters that the party still has “three years to go” before the 2028 general elections. “Who knows what will happen tomorrow?”
Faith and resilience were recurring themes in his address. Mr Agyapong told supporters that the setback should be viewed through a spiritual lens, insisting that setbacks do not erase purpose. “God will take care of you. He knows today was going to come… God that created us knew today will definitely come to pass,” he said, referencing earlier challenges the party faced in 2023.
The mood briefly lightened when he encouraged those present to relax and share a meal together. “There’s a lot of food. Go in there. Eat. We have champagne, wine, beer. Eat what you can eat, and let’s see what tomorrow has for us,” he said.
Saturday’s primary featured a crowded field that also included former Minister of Food and Agriculture and Abetifi MP Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Education Minister and Bosomtwe MP Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.
As counting continues, partial results from several regions indicate a commanding performance by Dr Bawumia, with strong showings reported in Bono East, Upper East, and Greater Accra. Mr Agyapong, however, recorded notable support in Assin Central, where he reportedly secured more than 495 votes, along with scattered victories elsewhere.
The Electoral Commission is expected to announce the final results in the coming hours, according to a Graphic Online report.
