NPP Doesn’t Give Second Chances to Poor Performers — Kennedy Agyapong

Former Member of Parliament and one-time New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has emphasized that the party does not extend second chances to candidates who underperform in elections—especially when it comes to choosing a flagbearer.

Speaking at a gathering of NPP supporters in Mampong, Ashanti Region, during a visit to mourn the late Mamponghene Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Agyapong used the occasion to underscore the party’s long-standing tradition of favoring candidates with strong electoral track records.

According to Agyapong, the NPP’s history shows a clear pattern: candidates who fail to deliver do not get re-nominated. He singled out Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s current flagbearer, criticizing his performance in the last general election as “abysmal.”

“In the NPP, we value results. This is not a party that rewards failure with another opportunity,” Agyapong stated.

He addressed claims that the party has a precedent of giving its flagbearers multiple chances by referencing Professor Albert Adu Boahen. Despite his pioneering role in restoring multiparty democracy, Boahen was replaced after losing the 1992 election, which Agyapong said proves the NPP’s performance-first approach.

He contrasted that with the examples of former President John Agyekum Kufuor and current President Nana Akufo-Addo, both of whom were allowed to run again only after demonstrating considerable electoral strength in their earlier bids.

“In 1996, Kufuor had just a few months to campaign, but his performance was so convincing that he earned a second chance—and went on to win in 2000. That’s what the NPP looks for: potential backed by performance,” he concluded.

Agyapong’s remarks add to the ongoing debate within the NPP about the direction of its leadership ahead of the next national elections.