NPP set for high-stakes flagbearer election ahead of 2028 polls

Over 200,000 delegates of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) will vote tomorrow to elect a flagbearer to lead the party into the 2028 general election, concluding a heated seven-month campaign season.

Five candidates are vying for the position: former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum; former Agriculture Minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong; and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

The election, which will be held across 277 voting centers nationwide, is widely seen as a critical moment for the party as it seeks to reorganize and reconnect with its base following its defeat in the 2024 elections.

Polling data from various organizations, including Global Info Analytics and Sanity Africa, suggest the race is largely between two front-runners: Dr. Bawumia, the party’s 2024 flagbearer, and Kennedy Agyapong, who commands strong grassroots support. While some polls project a Bawumia victory, others indicate a win for Agyapong, making the outcome highly anticipated.

Campaign themes have varied among the aspirants. Dr. Bawumia has emphasized party welfare and structural reforms, pledging to establish Welfare Desks at all levels to support members. Mr. Agyapong has positioned himself as a direct-talking reformer focused on challenging the party’s establishment.

Dr. Adutwum has advocated for policy-driven change, including free university education, while Mr. Agyepong has called for a return to the NPP’s core values of service and sacrifice. Dr. Acheampong has campaigned on rebuilding a “credible and united” party ready to govern.

The expanded electoral college—which includes national, regional, and constituency executives, polling station officials, MPs, MMDCEs, TESCON representatives, and other party organs—could influence whether the contest is decided in one round or proceeds to a runoff.

Notably, the election will not allow proxy voting, a provision that has raised concerns about the participation of diaspora-based delegates.

All five candidates have signed a peace pact, committing to accept the results and support the eventual winner.

The outcome of tomorrow’s primary is expected to define the NPP’s strategic direction and its preparedness for the 2028 general election.