National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council meetings of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), which were supposed to decide dates for the party’s presidential and parliamentary primaries were fiercely held with some entrenched positions, according to information gathered.
THE CUSTODIAN gathered that the meetings were attended by President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, some Members of Parliament and presidential hopefuls.
The meetings were expected to officially set a date for the remaining two elections on the party’s calendar.
It was also expected to produce a date for the opening of nomination for both elections.
No decision was taken by the party at the time of going to press yesterday as the General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua told journalists after the crunch meetings that there was the need for more consultation.
The decision to hold early or late presidential and parliamentary primaries has been a subject of debate with the governing party.
There are two blocs within the party pushing with others pushing for early congress whilst others want the party to stick to its constitution of electing a flagbearer in at least 12 months to general elections when the party is in power.
The crunch meeting was postponed from January 31 to yesterday February 2, 2023 following the absence of many of the Council members on the earlier date.
Already, nine people have declared their intention to contest in the presidential primaries to lead the NPP into the 2024 general election.
They are Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister for Trade and Industry Alan Kyerematen, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto and former Minister for Energy Boakye Agyarko Kyerematen.
The rest are former Minister for Railways Development Joe Ghartey, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong and former MP for Mampong Francis Addai Nimoh.
Mr. Addai-Nimoh formally announced his intention to contest the NPP flagbearership race when nominations are opened.