New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has promised to take a firm stand against any attempts to rig the party’s upcoming presidential primaries, asserting that delegates now have the power to make independent choices.

According to Mr Agyapong, party delegates have recognised him as the candidate most capable of winning power for the NPP.

“When you listen to what Ghanaians are saying, they are speaking directly to the delegates. By the look of things, this time there will be change,” he stated.

He recalled the era when the NPP was in government, noting that intimidation was widespread.

“Those involved were government favourites, and they intimidated people. They used security agencies National Security, the police, the military, the Electoral Commission as well as ministers, CEOs, MCEs and DCEs. Everybody was part of it to ensure that one particular person won,” he said.

However, in an interview on Accra-based United Television, Mr Agyapong argued that the current political environment is markedly different.

“This time, that is not the case. The intimidation is not there. The President is not there, the Vice-President is not there, ministers are not there, CEOs are not there, MCEs are not there, and they do not have control over the police, National Security or the military,” he explained.

He warned that while the tables may turn in favour of a fair contest, he would remain vigilant to ensure the integrity of the primaries.

“I will guard against rigging, because the only alternative for them will be rigging. On that note, I want to assure them that it will not work,” he asserted.