The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Koduah, has announced that the party will hold its presidential primaries on Saturday, January 31, 2026, a move some party insiders interpret as a hasty attempt to restore internal order by putting the cart before the horse.
What remains unclear, however, is whether the NPP, currently in opposition, intends to elect its ward, polling station, constituency, regional, and national executives across the country before selecting a flagbearer.
The decision was taken during a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Accra, yesterday, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, following the adoption of a proposal from the party’s Constitution Review Committee by the National Council.
The announcement effectively sets the stage for a hotly contested race for the NPP’s 2028 presidential candidacy. Expected contenders include former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia,Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former MP for Assin Central, Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi,Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, MP for Bosomtwe, and Kwabena Agyapong, a former General Secretary of the party.
Clarifying the basis of the decision, Mr Koduah stated that the timing of the presidential primariesdoes not require approval from the party’s National Delegates Conference, as the National Council has already acted within its mandate.
“The date for our presidential primaries is set for 31 January 2026. That will be the day we hold our presidential primaries,” he said.
“Because there is going to be a proposal or motion for amendment of our constitution, a planning committee has been put in place. The Committee also discussed the date for our presidential primaries and agreed that this decision does not warrant an amendment of the Constitution. The National Council has therefore confirmed it.”
To facilitate the process, a nine-member committee chaired by former Bekwai MP Joseph Osei Owusu, has been tasked with planning the July 2025 National Delegates Conference, during which additional constitutional amendments will be considered.
With anticipation building among the party’s grassroots and senior members alike, the primaries are expected to draw intense interest from both seasoned politicians and emerging aspirants hoping to lead the NPP into the next electoral cycle.
Party officials have indicated that the nomination guidelines, campaign timelines, and a code of conduct for aspirants will be published in the coming weeks.
The NEC has assured party faithful of a free, fair, and transparent process that reflects the NPP’s longstanding commitment to internal democracy.
