THE NEW Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened nominations for its 2028 flagbearer position today, Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, confirmed that nominations will open today in fulfillment of constitutional requirements mandating at least six months’ notice ahead of the presidential primary.
This, he stated, marks the beginning of a critical phase in the selection process ahead of the party’s presidential primary, scheduled for January 31, 2026.
Flagbearer Hopefuls
Several prominent party figures have already publicly signaled their intent to contest, including Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and the NPP’s flagbearer in the 2024 election, who is widely considered the frontrunner. He led the party as its presidential candidate in the 2024 elections alongside running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
Dr. Bawumia has, in recent engagements with party supporters, expressed confidence in the party’s return to power possibly under his leadership.
His potential candidacy has already attracted endorsements from several party stalwarts and grassroots supporters.
Dr. Bawumia however, faces strong competition from another notable figure in the person of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
The outspoken former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has publicly declared his intention to contest the flagbearer position, vowing not to succumb to internal party pressure.
With growing momentum and significant grassroots support, Mr. Agyapong is widely seen as Dr. Bawumia’s strongest challenger.
This will not be their first contest. In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Mr. Agyapong finished second to Dr. Bawumia in the NPP’s Delegates Conference in 2023, securing 14.30% of the vote compared to Bawumia’s 61.47%.
Once a strong supporter of Dr. Bawumia, the former Minister of Education and current Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, is also another prominent figure who has signalled interest in the flagbearership.
The latest name to surface in the race is Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Minister of Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi.
Timeline
The NPP’s presidential primary timeline is set, with nomination closing on August 28, 2025. Potential candidates have one month to prepare and submit their papers, marking the beginning of the party’s six-month selection process for the 2026 election.
Following the nomination deadline, the NPP will conduct a thorough vetting process from September 15-22, 2025. The vetting committee will present its report to the National Council and National Executive Council on September 29, 2025.
Candidates dissatisfied with the outcome can file appeals from September 30 to October 3, 2025.
Key dates that follow include the finalisation of the candidate list on October 8, 2025, a ballot order draw on October 10, 2025 and the release of the formal election notice on October 17, 2025.
Candidates will have over three months to campaign across the country before the main event on January 31, 2026. A run-off between the top two contenders will take place on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, if no candidate receives enough votes to win outright.
The winner will lead the NPP’s charge to retain power in what promises to be a fiercely contested general election.
This structured approach ensures ample time for campaigning whilst maintaining the NPP’s internal democratic processes as the party seeks a return to government.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke