NPP Primaries: Bawumia tops them all

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emerged as the winner of the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer primaries, securing a clear majority of votes nationwide.

The primaries were held across the country on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with delegates casting ballots to choose a leader to steer the party into the 2028 general election. Results released after the exercise showed Dr. Bawumia polling 110,643 of the valid votes cast, representing 56.5 percent, an outcome that placed him comfortably ahead of the field.

His closest challenger, Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, recorded what many observers described as an unexpectedly weak showing. He secured 46,554 votes, accounting for 23.8 percent of the total. Despite earlier perceptions of a highly competitive race, the final figures suggested a significant gap between the former Vice President and the rest of the contenders.

Bryan Acheampong, who was widely seen as a dark horse in the contest, placed third after polling 36,303 votes, representing 18.5 percent. His performance drew attention among party watchers, particularly given the relatively short period of active campaigning associated with his bid.

The remaining candidates trailed far behind. Bosomtwe MP Yaw Adutwum garnered 1,999 votes, equivalent to 1.02 percent, while former General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyapong, obtained just 402 votes, representing 0.21 percent of ballots cast.

The outcome means Dr. Bawumia retains his position as the party’s flag bearer as the New Patriotic Party begins preparations toward the 2028 polls. Shortly after the declaration of results, party executives, supporters and grassroots members converged at the party’s national headquarters, where formal processes were undertaken to confer the mandate on him.

In engagements that followed, Dr. Bawumia signaled his intention to build a united front within the party, stressing cooperation with his former rivals as a central pillar of the next phase.

The emphasis on unity was echoed by the other aspirants, who indicated their readiness to support the flag bearer and contribute to the party’s broader electoral strategy.

Party insiders say attention will now shift to reconciliation efforts as the NPP positions itself for what is expected to be a keenly contested 2028 general election.