Politics

Bawumia, Ken Agyapong, others face NPP vetting for flagbearer race

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ken Agyapong, and three other contenders are facing the vetting panel of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the party begins the process for its presidential primaries.

The vetting exercise, which started on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, is taking place at the NPP’s national headquarters in Adabraka, Accra. It is being conducted under the supervision of a committee chaired by Dr. Addo Kufuor and will conclude today with all aspirants appearing before the panel.

The process opened with former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and is continuing with former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, Abetifi MP Bryan Acheampong, and former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.

This stage follows the nomination period, which ran from late July until August 28, during which all five hopefuls successfully submitted their forms to contest the race. Party officials say the vetting is an important step in ensuring that only qualified candidates progress to the ballot.

The NPP’s presidential primaries are scheduled for January 31, 2026. In the event no candidate secures an outright victory, a run-off between the top two contenders will be held on February 14, 2026.

Meanwhile, party leadership has urged aspirants and their supporters to run clean campaigns and avoid divisive rhetoric as the NPP positions itself for a competitive contest in the lead-up to the 2028 general election.

In a related development, the Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed Professor Alidu Mahama Seidu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.

He was declared elected after emerging as the only candidate in the by-election process.

Announcing the decision, the Returning Officer, Muniru Musah, explained that it was guided by Constitutional Instrument (CI) 127, which empowers the EC to declare a sole candidate duly elected. “As it stands, only Prof. Alidu Seidu Mahama stands nominated, and according to CI 127, he shall be declared elected,” Mr. Musah stated.

The by-election became necessary following the death of the late MP, Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash nearly two months ago. Initially, three candidates filed to contest — Prof. Seidu, a PNC candidate, and another from the LPG. However, both opposing candidates later withdrew.

In response, the EC reopened nominations for ten days, but no new contenders entered the race. With the window closed, Prof. Seidu was confirmed unopposed, eliminating the need for ballots to be cast.

NDC Deputy Regional Secretary Ziblim Saaka welcomed the development and expressed gratitude to constituents for their continued support. He assured that Prof. Seidu will provide inclusive and development-focused leadership in Parliament.