Alleged Plot by Electoral Commission and NPP to Disqualify Key Presidential Challengers

In a move that could have significant implications for the upcoming presidential elections, highly confidential sources within the Electoral Commission (EC) have reportedly revealed a clandestine plot designed to disqualify key challengers. This alleged scheme, aimed at protecting the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) despite growing criticism over its governance, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.

According to insiders, the plot involves a coordinated effort between select Electoral Commission officials and the ruling party to obstruct the candidacies of Mr. Alan Kyerematen, the flagbearer of the newly established Movement for Change, and Kweku Bediako, an independent presidential aspirant leading the ‘New Force’ movement. Both candidates represent formidable opposition, particularly in the Ashanti and Eastern regions—traditional strongholds of the NPP.

The alleged motive behind this strategy is to prevent these candidates from participating in the general election, as they are seen as significant threats to the NPP, which is reportedly grappling with declining support in its core regions. Concerns within the NPP have intensified, particularly regarding Alan Kyerematen and Kweku Bediako, both of whom hail from the Akan ethnic group, which dominates the party’s base. The NPP’s presidential candidate, however, comes from the minority Mamprusi tribe in the northern regions, raising fears that a strong Akan candidate could siphon off critical votes.

In addition, there are growing fears within the NPP that Kyerematen and his supporters may expose internal election strategies, further destabilizing the party. The first phase of the alleged plot reportedly involves infiltrating the camps of these candidates to frustrate their nomination filing process, which requires endorsements from across the country. Should this tactic fail, it is believed that NPP allies within the EC are prepared to employ additional measures to block the successful filing of their nomination forms.

The Movement for Change has been gaining momentum, particularly among women and young voters in Akan communities, which has caused increasing concern within the ruling party. Several months ago, the party accused the NPP of attempting to bribe its supporters to return to the fold—a claim that has only fueled tensions further.

Despite the government’s efforts to influence the Electoral Commission, growing dissatisfaction within the NPP reportedly drives supporters to recognize the party’s failure to deliver on its promises. In a surprising twist, Alan Kyerematen, a long-time NPP stalwart and former Minister for Trade and Industry, recently announced his departure from the party to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections. His decision, attributed to a lack of recognition for his efforts within the NPP, has sent ripples through the political sphere.

Kyerematen’s departure marks the second time he has left the NPP, following a similar exit in 2008 after losing the party’s presidential primary. His independent candidacy, coupled with Bediako’s rising appeal among the youth, poses a serious challenge to Ghana’s traditional political landscape and could reshape the dynamics of the 2024 elections.

Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh