NPP warns prospective MPs against premature campaigns, bans social media promotions

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has barred prospective parliamentary aspirants from using campaign posters, rallies, inducements to delegates and paid social media promotions to advance their candidacies, as it moves to stop what it describes as premature campaigning.

In a statement dated Sunday, October 11, 2026, the party directed all prospective aspirants, their agents and supporters to suspend every form of campaign activity with immediate effect.

The directive followed complaints received by the party leadership that some members aspiring to contest parliamentary seats had started campaigning in various constituencies.

The NPP said the conduct violated its internal regulations and Code of Conduct, warning that it could undermine party unity and create an unfair contest among prospective candidates.

“The Party accordingly directs, with immediate effect, that all prospective parliamentary aspirants, their agents and supporters cease all forms of campaign activities. This includes, but is not limited to:”

The prohibited activities include mounting posters, billboards, banners and other campaign materials, organising rallies and meetings with polling station executives, and undertaking constituency tours to solicit support.

Prospective aspirants are also barred from distributing items or offering other inducements to delegates and party members. Paid media and social media advertisements intended to promote individual candidacies are equally prohibited.

Beyond the aspirants themselves, the party has cautioned its officers at polling station, electoral area, constituency, regional and national levels, as well as TESCON members, against promoting any parliamentary aspirant on social media.

The statement specifically mentions Facebook, X and Instagram, warning party officers against posting in support of prospective candidates or facilitating their campaign activities before the party announces its official arrangements.

The NPP warned that violations could carry consequences for those seeking to contest the party’s parliamentary primaries.

“Any person who fails to comply will be dealt with in accordance with the Party’s disciplinary procedures, which may affect their eligibility to contest,” the statement said.

The party has yet to announce the timetable and guidelines for its parliamentary selection process, saying these will be communicated in due course.

It has directed constituency and regional executives to ensure that members within their jurisdictions comply with the directive.