Founder and Flagbearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga has made a bold declaration ahead of the 2024 elections, asserting that Ghanaian votes have consistently failed to reflect the people’s will due to rigged electoral operations.
Speaking on ‘Focus on ABC’ with Joshua Ayira on Thursday, August 29, 2024, Ayariga recounted the disillusionment of Ghanaians who feel their votes do not count, pointing to discrepancies in the voter register as evidence of rigged election operations.
“In the last election, we had almost 17 million registered voters, but only a little more than 11 million voted. Over 5 million refused to vote, and that is the third force,” Ayariga stated. “These numbers are people who think that the leadership of the NDC and the NPP is nothing to write home about.”
Ayariga emphasized that many Ghanaians believe the leadership of both major parties has failed them. “Some think the leadership of both parties has failed the Ghanaian society. And for that, I won’t waste my time voting. Either way, they will steal the votes,” he added.
He further claimed that even when people vote for his party, those votes mysteriously disappear during the counting process. Ayariga cited instances where APC supporters cast their ballots, but the final tally did not reflect their votes, which he views as clear proof of electoral fraud orchestrated by the dominant parties.
Positioning himself as the alternative to the NPP and NDC, Ayariga declared that he is now the third force in Ghana’s political landscape. Speaking on the Focus on ABC program, he urged Ghanaians to embrace this new direction. “I present myself as the third force, but it is now left for Ghanaians to accept it,” he affirmed.
Ayariga called on voters who feel abandoned by the two major parties to rally behind him in the December 7, 2024, polls. Despite the challenges, Ayariga remains hopeful that Ghanaians will choose change. He argued that the current living conditions are harsh and promised to make things better if given the chance to lead.
However, he emphasized that it is up to the electorate to demonstrate their desire for a third force by voting for him. “What are we looking for? Are we looking for leaders we can trust?” Ayariga questioned, urging Ghanaians to rethink their political choices.