NPP Race: Alan K Must Opt Out To Avert Shame—Boateng Gyan

The governing party's national organiser has expressed shock at the meagre votes garnered by former trades Minister Alan Kyeremanten in the main opposition New Patriotic Party's mini flagbearership contest held on Sunday and advised him to opt out of the second congress to save himself the shame.

Kyeremanten, who was seen as a frontrunner in the party's Super Delegates' Congress managed just 7.97% of total votes cast – a performance which surprised even his own camp.

Two-time flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo won the day with an overwhelming 80.89% of votes in the first phase of the primaries, which was meant to reduce the number of aspirants from seven to five, as stipulated by the party's constitution in circumstances where more than five people run for the slot.

Gyan, who spoke on private FM station, Peace, noted that the results made it clear that the NPP was not divided between Akufo-Addo, who is seeking to lead the party for a third consecutive time, and the former Ghana Ambassador to the United States.

“Kyeremanteng didn't give Nana a big gap and it's shocking!” He, however, suggested the party forgoes its second congress, scheduled for October 18, 2014, at which 141,000 delegates will elect one of the final five. He believes that move will save Kyeremanten some dignity.

“They should just let Nana Addo go alone otherwise Alan's disgrace will be grave. His whole predicament surprises me”, he said.

“If there was a close gap, then it will be understandable, but his insistence on standing again is surprising. Left to me alone he shouldn't try”.