The chairmanship race for the governing New Patriotic Party has been reduced to three following the withdrawal of Alhaji Abubakar Abdul Rahman also known as Alhaji Short.

The Upper West chairman of the party withdrew from the race, Thursday after "a long period of introspection and consideration."

“To all and sundry, I apologise for any inconvenience my decision have caused you,” he stated in his withdrawal letter.

His decision has left NPP supporters in his home region sad and dejected but Alhaji Short said “it is in the best interest of the party.”

His decision to withdraw may come as a surprise to many especially after reports suggested he was the preferred candidate of the president, Nana Akufo-Addo.

In a leaked tape, one of the aspirants Stephen Ntim is heard claiming to have been persuaded by the president to step down for Alhaji Short but declined.

When the party’s vetting committee meets to scrutinize aspirants for the chairmanship position it will be acting chairman Freddie Blay, Stephen Ntim and Dr Richard Amaoko Baah who will remain standing.

Director of Research and Elections, Evans Nimako confirmed the party has received the letter of withdrawal from Alhaji Short.

He said Alhaji Abubakar Abdul Rahman will remain “influential” in the party.

Mr Nimako described Alhaji Short as "known and active member, a senior party person..."

Meanwhile, the three remaining aspirants are expected to be vetted in the coming days ahead of the party’s congress which has been slated for June 15-17, 2018 in the Eastern Region.