NPP Announces January 31, 2026, as Date for Presidential Candidate Election

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially announced that it will hold its presidential primary on Saturday, January 31, 2026, to select its flagbearer for the upcoming 2028 general elections. The date, confirmed by party leadership, marks the beginning of an important political season for the opposition party as it seeks to regain power.

The decision was disclosed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, during a press briefing following a crucial meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The proposed date was subsequently ratified by the National Council, the party’s highest decision-making body between national conferences.

Kodua explained that the selection of the date falls under the authority of the National Council and, as such, does not require further approval from the national delegates conference. “The Committee deliberated on the appropriate time to hold our presidential primaries,” he stated. “It was determined that this decision aligns with our current constitutional framework, and therefore, the National Council has fixed January 31, 2026, as the date for the primaries.”

The announcement comes as the party begins early preparations for the 2028 general elections. The race for the NPP leadership is expected to attract a diverse pool of candidates, including both well-known political figures and emerging contenders. With the party looking to bounce back and reposition itself after the last electoral cycle, the outcome of the primaries is seen as a key moment in shaping the future direction of the NPP.

In the coming weeks, the party is expected to release official guidelines for the presidential primaries. These will include nomination requirements, timelines for campaigning, and a code of conduct that all aspirants must adhere to. Party officials have assured members and supporters that the process will be transparent, fair, and reflective of the NPP’s democratic traditions.

Meanwhile, the NPP is also preparing for its upcoming national delegates conference scheduled for July 2025. This important event will provide a platform for party members to discuss key proposals, including potential amendments to the party’s constitution. To oversee the planning of the conference, a nine-member committee has been established, chaired by Joseph Osei Owusu, former Member of Parliament for Bekwai.

Speaking on the conference preparations, Kodua explained, “Because we anticipate discussions on constitutional amendments, it is necessary to have a dedicated planning committee in place to ensure smooth execution and proper stakeholder engagement.”

The announcement of the presidential primary date and the planning for the national delegates conference signify the NPP’s commitment to strengthening its internal democratic processes. As the party gears up for a new chapter, maintaining unity and strategic focus will be crucial to its success.

Political analysts see the upcoming primary as a potential turning point for the NPP. With the 2028 elections on the horizon, the choice of a flagbearer will play a significant role in defining the party’s electoral appeal, policy priorities, and overall campaign direction.

As anticipation builds, party faithful across the country are watching closely to see who will step forward to lead the NPP into the next electoral contest. The party leadership has emphasized that all aspirants will be given a level playing field and encouraged to run campaigns that promote unity, civility, and forward-thinking solutions for Ghana.

With the official date now set, the stage is being prepared for a competitive and closely watched internal election that will likely shape the party’s future — and potentially the future of Ghana’s political landscape.