NPP Heads to Crucial Presidential Primary as Five Aspirants Jostle for 2028 Ticket

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) goes to the polls tomorrow to elect a flag bearer for the 2028 general election, as five leading figures of the party seek the mandate of delegates in a contest that could redefine the party’s future.

Former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister of Food and Agriculture and Abetifi MP Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Education Minister and Bosomtwi MP Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong are all vying for the top position.

More than 200,000 delegates are expected to vote in the presidential primary, bringing to a close a tense and, at times, acrimonious seven-month campaign. The election comes unusually early, nearly three years ahead of the 2028 polls, as the NPP seeks a swift return to power after its defeat in the 2024 general election.

Beyond selecting a presidential candidate, the primary is widely seen as a critical test of how the party intends to reorganise, reconnect with its grassroots, and redefine its political identity in opposition.

Voting will take place in 277 centres nationwide, covering all 276 constituencies as well as the party’s national headquarters. In total, 211,812 delegates are eligible to vote, with no provision for proxy voting.

Although five candidates are on the ballot, political observers and opinion polls suggest the race has narrowed to a contest between Dr Bawumia, the party’s 2024 flag bearer, and Mr Agyapong.

Eight opinion polls conducted by four organisations, including Global Info Analytics and Sanity Africa, point to a closely fought election. While Global Info Analytics projects a victory for Dr Bawumia, a Sanity Africa poll places Mr Agyapong ahead. Party insiders acknowledge that polling data has largely mirrored factional loyalties within the party.

Ultimately, the decision rests with delegates at the polling centres. As former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo once remarked, the most important poll is the one conducted on election day.

Campaign messages

Dr Bawumia has anchored his campaign on rebuilding trust at the grassroots and strengthening party welfare. He has argued that low turnout among NPP supporters in the 2024 elections was partly due to neglect of the party base, and has proposed a structured welfare system to support members whether the party is in government or opposition.

His plan includes the establishment of Welfare Desks at all levels of the party to ensure transparent and data-driven distribution of support.

Mr Agyapong, by contrast, has positioned himself as a bold reformer with strong grassroots appeal. His outspoken style and willingness to challenge party orthodoxy have energised sections of the base, while also attracting controversy among party elders.

Dr Osei Adutwum has sought to distinguish himself with ambitious policy proposals, notably a pledge to introduce free university education. Drawing parallels with the Free Senior High School programme, he argues that extending free education to the tertiary level is both achievable and essential for national development. He has also promised targeted welfare programmes for party supporters.

Mr Agyei Agyepong, making his third bid for the flagbearership after attempts in 2007 and 2023, has framed his campaign as a return to the NPP’s founding principles of service, sacrifice, and selflessness. His message has focused on youth unemployment and the need for innovative leadership.

Dr Acheampong has expressed confidence in his campaign, stating that his team has engaged nearly 90 percent of delegates nationwide. He says his message centres on rebuilding a credible, united party that is prepared to govern again.

Electoral reforms and concerns

The expanded electoral college and the absence of proxy voting have raised concerns among some party members, particularly those in the diaspora who may be unable to travel to Ghana to vote. Analysts have also suggested that the size of the electoral college could favour the leading contenders or potentially force a run-off.

The electoral college includes national, regional, constituency, and polling station executives, members of the National Council and Council of Elders, Members of Parliament, government appointees, TESCON representatives, external branch delegates, and special organs of the party.

Peace pact

In a bid to ensure a smooth process, all five aspirants have signed a peace and commitment pact, pledging to uphold transparency, reject violence, and support the eventual winner of the primary.

As the party prepares to vote, expectations are high that the outcome will not only determine the NPP’s presidential candidate for 2028 but also shape its strategic direction and readiness for the next general election.