Former President Akufo-Addo has called on Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the NPP with focus and direction after his landslide win in the January 31 presidential primary.

He commended Bawumia’s integrity, pointing to a seamless transition as the party looks ahead to 2028.

Akufo-Addo described Dr Bawumia as loyal to party principles and urged him to lead with focus and unity, stressing the need to heal divisions after a competitive primary.

Dr Bawumia, in his victory address, committed to an inclusive political approach, assuring supporters of rival aspirants Kennedy Agyapong and Bryan Acheampong of their place in the campaign.

Uniting the nearly 43 per cent of delegates who voted for rival aspirants represents Dr Bawumia’s first strategic hurdle as he prepares for the 2028 contest.

Beyond party cohesion, he faces the challenge of producing a policy platform that aligns the NPP’s foundational values with his digital-first economic vision.

Backed by the party’s expanded delegate college, Dr Bawumia clinched victory with 110,643 votes, representing 56.48 per cent of ballots cast.

The result saw him fend off a strong challenge from Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who enjoyed significant grassroots support.

The 2026 contest represented a significant shift in the NPP’s internal democracy, as the party rolled out its expanded delegate album for the first time, raising the electorate to over 211,849 voters.

Approved at the July 2025 delegates conference, the reforms incorporated former Ministers, MMDCEs and TESCON leaders, in a bid to deepen inclusivity and dilute constituency-level dominance.

Voting across 333 polling stations nationwide was largely peaceful, earning praise from observers for its credibility and orderly security arrangements.

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has secured a decisive victory in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries in the Western and Western North regions, winning in every constituency where results have so far been declared.

Dr Bawumia outperformed his closest rivals, including Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyepong, firmly establishing himself as the frontrunner in the race to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.

Results from several key constituencies showed overwhelming support for the former Vice President. In Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Dr Bawumia polled 967 votes, far ahead of Kennedy Agyapong, who secured 184 votes, and Dr Acheampong, who garnered 55 votes. Similar margins were recorded in Prestea Huni Valley, where Dr Bawumia obtained 853 votes, and in Amenfi East, where he won with 581 votes.

Strong performances were also registered in Takoradi, Sekondi, Ahanta West, Effia, Ellembelle, and Mpohor, with Dr Bawumia leading comfortably in all the contests.

Party insiders say the results reflect growing confidence among delegates in Dr Bawumia’s leadership and policy direction as the party prepares for the 2028 national elections.

The primaries, held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, were largely peaceful. Party officials commended delegates for their orderly conduct and active participation in the democratic process. An estimated 211,000 delegates voted nationwide across more than 300 polling centres to elect the NPP’s presidential candidate.

With the emphatic victories in the Western and Western North regions, Dr Bawumia has further strengthened his momentum as results from other regions continue to emerge.

By Ebenezer De-Gaulle

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) goes to the polls today, Saturday, January 31st, to elect its flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections, in what officials describe as one of the largest and most consequential internal contests in the party’s history.

Over 211,000 accredited delegates are expected to cast ballots nationwide. Voting will take place across all 16 regions, at the party’s national headquarters, and at selected diaspora centers. The Electoral Commission is supervising the exercise under tight security, with police deployed to maintain order.

Five aspirants are vying for the slot to lead the party into the next national polls: Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

Party leaders have urged delegates to uphold discipline, unity and peaceful competition. They reiterated a ban on vigilantes and “machomen,” warning that violations could attract sanctions.

The electorate comprises 211,849 delegates drawn from constituencies, regions, national officers, party elders and recognized external branches. The figure reflects adjustments for deceased members and forfeitures.

Greater Accra and Ashanti represent the largest voting blocs, with more than 40,000 and 36,000 delegates respectively. Eastern, Central and Western regions follow. Analysts say turnout and voting patterns in these areas could prove decisive.

Polls are scheduled to open early in the morning, at 7am and close in the afternoon. Counting will be conducted at the centers before results are transmitted to the national collation hub.

The winner will immediately face the task of reorganizing the party, healing divisions and crafting a national message ahead of the 2028 campaign.

Historically, commanding victories in NPP primaries have translated into stronger national campaigns, while close races have required extensive reconciliation efforts.

Civil society groups,the media and party observers are monitoring the process to ensure transparency. On the eve of the vote, senior figures appealed to delegates to act according to conscience and party interest, and urged supporters to remain calm regardless of the outcome.

As ballots are cast today, all eyes are on the NPP as it takes a crucial step toward defining its leadership and future direction.