Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture, has made a sharp U-turn in his stance on the upcoming NPP flagbearership race.
Previously asserting that he would withhold his support until after the NPP August 26 Superdelegates primary, Acheampong has now thrown his weight behind Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
The unexpected about-face comes just days after Acheampong's appearance on PeaceFM Kokrokoo with Kwame Sefa Kayi, where he expressed concerns about his preferred candidate's chances and vowed to wait for the Superdelegates Primaries before making a declaration.
"The Superdelegates should decide. Today, my candidate may not win but I will not declare my support until the superdelegates give direction of where we go this August," Acheampong had stated in Twi during the interview.
However, the Abetifi lawmaker's resolve seemed short-lived. In less than four days, he publicly announced his support for Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia during Bawumia's rounds in Abetifi.
Acheampong's endorsement raised questions about its authenticity, leaving observers to wonder whether it was influenced by the backing of influential Senior MPs and party stalwarts for Bawumia's candidacy.
Addressing the crowd in Abetifi, Acheampong stated,
"Here in Abetifi, it is not for me to tell you what to do. As our chairman has said, he will take me to Koforidua to go and vote for Dr. Bawumia. Chairman has his ears on the ground; he has listened to our delegates and he knows their choice."
The NPP Superdelegates Primaries are scheduled for August 26, 2023, with the purpose of selecting five candidates for the main primary on November 4, 2023.
Bryan Acheampong's reversal adds an unexpected twist to the NPP flagbearership race, highlighting the intricate dynamics and uncertainties surrounding the political landscape as the party prepares to make a pivotal decision for its future leadership.