“He won in Winneba — so what?” Afenyo-Markin defends backing Ken Agyapong in NPP primary

Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has strongly defended his decision to back Kennedy Ohene Agyapong during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) January 31, 2026 presidential primary, dismissing criticism over the overwhelming support Agyapong received in Effutu.

In the Effutu constituency, Agyapong polled 644 votes compared to 79 votes secured by former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, a result that sparked internal debate within the party.

Addressing concerns, Afenyo-Markin downplayed the controversy, stating that Agyapong’s victory in Winneba was neither surprising nor problematic.

“He won in Winneba — so what?” he questioned, arguing that the outcome reflected years of close personal ties and tangible support Agyapong has extended to the constituency.

According to the Effutu MP, Agyapong has consistently provided financial assistance and supported various local development initiatives over the years, earning goodwill among delegates. He maintained that such loyalty naturally translated into votes during the primary.

Afenyo-Markin also rejected suggestions that his support for Agyapong signals division within the party. He pointed out that in several other constituencies, Dr. Bawumia secured 100 percent of the votes without attracting similar scrutiny.

Describing his relationship with Agyapong as longstanding and built beyond politics, Afenyo-Markin insisted there is no cause for alarm, emphasizing that internal contests are part of democratic party processes and should not be misconstrued as factional conflict.