“This Isn’t The News We Wanted”; Reactions Over Alan’s Withdrawal

Reactions have been pouring in in the past seventeen hours since Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, an aspirant in the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s presidential primary announced his withdrawal.

Some of his followers did not hide their disappointment in his decision as they poured out their hearts on social media.

“This sucks… That’s not the news Ghanaians wanted to hear,” a follower told him.

“Masa, you have disappointed us,” said one under Alan’s comment section on Facebook with another adding, “Alan resigns again. Eii, You can’t use emotions to do politics oo”

“You’re are the reason I had NPP in mind. Why this decision sir? Who will lead the party to the promised land? You have indeed brought me a huge befuddlement and perplexity. How I wish you could DISCLAIM this. Aw. No no no,” another lamented.

Some others also expressed concerns about what becomes of political appointees and legislators who openly threw their support behind him.

“I am sad and disappointed today. What happens to your followers? MPs, Minister who were bold to support you openly?”

“Chief, you have selfishly put his followers in a state of dilemma. I’m thinking about those MPs, government appointees and other staunch party members who publicly threw their weight behind him. Now, are they to go left or right or stand in the middle? Very unfortunate to bring them this far. Most of them will have their political fortunes on the line. Pity!”

Others, however, were content with the decision describing it as “best,” “excellent” and “strategic”.

“Thank you Chief Alan you are indeed a great leader.”

As some advised he contests as an independent presidential candidate in the 2024 general Elections, others bid him as the vice president for whoever wins the NPP’s presidential primary.

“He should go as an independent Presidential Candidate.”

“Good decision. The slot for Vice is certain,” said another with one person also writing, “Our incoming Vice President, thanks for being considerate for the love of the party.”

Withdrawal
Alan was scheduled to deliver a public broadcast on Tuesday afternoon on the new strategies his campaign team will be using after they unexpectedly fell third during the Party’s Super Delegates Conference last month.

He cancelled the broadcast early on Tuesday morning without any reason but subsequently put out a press statement announcing his withdrawal from the contest.

“I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023,” he said in his statement.

Reason
Alan cited intimidation and manipulation of results for the decision.

“After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant. The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.”

He alleged delegates in the Super Delegates Conference were subjected to “intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly”.

Further, he said the decision was in the interest of his supporters as he is “committed to, and value the safety”.

Future
Alan said he would later communicate the political path he would take after this.

“In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well-wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups.”