The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that its presidential primaries will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
This decision was reached during a critical meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua made the announcement, marking the beginning of an important race to select the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming 2028 general elections.
During the meeting, the Committee clarified that deciding the date for the primaries does not require any amendments to the party’s Constitution.
The National Council confirmed that January 31, 2026, is the designated date for the primaries, generating considerable excitement within the party.
The event is expected to draw significant attention from both seasoned members and new entrants aiming to lead the NPP into the next electoral phase.
Party officials indicated that detailed nomination guidelines, campaign timelines, and a code of conduct for candidates will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The NEC reassured party members that the primaries will be conducted in a transparent manner, ensuring adherence to the democratic principles of the NPP.
In the 2023 NPP Presidential Primaries, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged victoriously, securing 118,210 votes, which accounted for 61.47% of the valid votes cast.
Hon Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the former MP for Assin Central, received 71,996 votes (37.41%), while Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto (former Minister for Agriculture) garnered 1,459 votes (0.76%).
Hon Francis Addai-Nimoh (former MP for Mampong) received 781 votes (0.41%).
Dr. Bawumia’s win was significant as he is the first NPP flagbearer aspirant since 1992 to achieve over 60% of the votes, and he also holds the distinction of being the first flagbearer from the Northern region since 1992.
Kennedy Agyapong has announced his intention to compete again in the party’s primaries for the 2028 elections.
His brother, Ralph Agyapong, confirmed this during an interview with Kings Jersey TV in the United States on March 15, 2025.
Ralph noted that internal dynamics within the NPP have shifted in favor of Kennedy’s candidacy, positioning him well for the upcoming race.
“I can state with confidence that he will contest the presidency or the NPP primaries next year,” said Ralph, adding that they may hold an early congress where he “will be on the ballot paper.”
Former Vice President Dr. Bawumia, the NPP presidential candidate for the 2024 election, has yet to declare his intentions for the primaries but is considered a frontrunner among bookmakers, despite the anticipated strong competition.