Businessman and former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong says his disappointment following the party’s recent presidential primary is not rooted in defeat, but in what he describes as betrayal and disrespect from within his own political family.
Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM), Mr Agyapong reflected candidly on the outcome of the contest, which was won decisively by former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
According to him, the experience has reshaped his outlook on politics, loyalty, and relationships within the party.
“I will not allow myself to be used by anybody again. I need respect,” he said. “I will be 64 years old this year, and I will not allow anybody to treat me with disrespect.”
Rules Out Independent Bid
Amid speculation in some quarters that he could break away from the NPP and contest as an independent candidate, Mr Agyapong firmly dismissed the idea, reaffirming his commitment to the party.
“I am not going independent,” he stated.
He explained that when he entered the race, he understood the risks involved and accepted that victory was never guaranteed.
“It was 50–50; you can win or you can lose. Losing doesn’t mean you leave your party,” he added.
‘Hard Lessons’ from the Primary
While accepting the results of the primary, the outspoken former Assin Central Member of Parliament said the conduct of certain party members had left him deeply disappointed.
He revealed that the episode has taught him difficult lessons about trust and political loyalty.
“With the experience I got from the election, I have learnt some hard lessons. I no longer trust politicians,” he admitted.
Mr Agyapong stressed that he holds no grudges against party delegates or members who voted against him, acknowledging that political support is ultimately a personal decision.
However, he said what troubled him most were attacks from individuals he claimed to have previously supported in their political careers.
‘It’s Not the Loss, It’s the Insults’
“I am not bitter because the Vice President won,” he clarified. “I am bitter because some of the very people I supported to become Members of Parliament and ministers went beyond not voting for me to making derogatory statements about me.”
He emphasized that he never expected automatic loyalty or guaranteed votes but believed that basic respect should have prevailed.
“If you did not vote for me, that is your choice. I have no problem with that. But the insults from people I helped—that is where my problem is,” he said.
A Changed Approach
Mr Agyapong said the primary has marked a turning point in how he intends to engage politically moving forward.
He vowed not to “pretend” or downplay his feelings simply for political convenience.
“I will not pretend. I will make it clear that I did not appreciate what was done to me,” he stated.
His comments come at a time when the NPP is working to consolidate unity ahead of the general elections, following a competitive internal race that saw several high-profile figures contest for the party’s flagbearer position.
Despite his grievances, Mr Agyapong’s declaration of loyalty to the party suggests he remains committed to supporting its broader political objectives, even as he reassesses his personal relationships within its ranks.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
