2026 NPP Primaries: Abu Jinapor Advocates for Bawumia’s Comeback as Party Seeks Revival

Introduction

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) approaches a critical juncture in its political journey, the 2026 NPP Primaries have become a focal point for Ghana’s political landscape. With the party still processing its 2024 electoral defeat, the upcoming presidential candidate selection on January 31, 2026, represents more than just an internal contest—it’s a strategic decision that could determine the NPP’s future viability and electoral prospects in 2028.

Key Points

Background

The New Patriotic Party finds itself at a crossroads following its defeat in the 2024 general elections. This loss has prompted deep reflection within the party ranks about strategy, leadership, and direction. In an unprecedented move, the NPP has scheduled an early delegates’ convention to select its presidential candidate well ahead of the 2028 election cycle.

This accelerated timeline reflects the party’s urgency to rebuild, rebrand, and reposition itself in the eyes of Ghanaian voters. The decision to hold primaries in January 2026, just over a year after the last general election, underscores the NPP’s recognition that swift action is necessary to maintain political relevance and momentum.

The field of candidates represents a diverse cross-section of the party’s leadership, from established figures like Dr. Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong to newer voices seeking to shape the party’s future direction. Each candidate brings different strengths, experiences, and visions for the NPP’s path forward.

Analysis

Samuel Abu Jinapor’s endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia carries significant weight within NPP circles. As a sitting MP and former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Jinapor’s perspective reflects the views of a substantial segment of the party’s establishment wing.

Jinapor frames the 2026 primaries as more than a simple leadership contest—he characterizes it as a survival imperative for the NPP. His argument centers on several key strategic considerations:

**Name Recognition and Marketability**: Jinapor emphasizes that Dr. Bawumia brings immediate name recognition and established political brand equity. Having served as vice president and led the party’s 2024 presidential ticket, Bawumia requires minimal introduction to the Ghanaian electorate. This “marketability” factor could accelerate the party’s rebranding efforts following electoral defeat.

**Campaign Experience**: The Damongo MP highlights Bawumia’s proven track record as a campaigner who can articulate the NPP’s vision and policy innovations. This experience is particularly valuable when addressing pressing national concerns like unemployment and the rising cost of living—issues that resonated strongly with voters in 2024.

**Integrity and Public Trust**: In an era where public trust in political institutions faces significant challenges, Jinapor positions Bawumia’s personal integrity as a crucial asset. He describes it as “very commendable,” suggesting that this characteristic could help restore public confidence in the NPP brand.

**Unifying Leadership**: Perhaps most strategically, Jinapor presents Bawumia as a unifying figure capable of healing internal divisions while expanding the party’s appeal across different constituencies. This dual capacity—internal reconciliation and external outreach—addresses two critical challenges facing the NPP.

Jinapor’s personal characterization of Bawumia as “a fine gentleman—quiet but very determined and poised” with “clarity of thought” and being “a man of vision” and “trustworthy” provides insight into the candidate’s leadership style and personal qualities that resonate with party insiders.

Practical Advice

For NPP delegates evaluating their choices in the upcoming primaries, several practical considerations emerge from this analysis:

1. **Assess Electoral Viability**: Consider which candidate presents the strongest possibility of winning the 2028 general election, not just who might be most popular within party circles.

2. **Evaluate Unity Potential**: Examine each candidate’s ability to bridge internal party divisions while building coalitions beyond traditional NPP strongholds.

3. **Consider Brand Rehabilitation**: Reflect on which candidate best positions the party for reputation recovery following the 2024 defeat.

4. **Analyze Policy Communication**: Evaluate candidates’ abilities to clearly articulate policy solutions to Ghana’s most pressing challenges, particularly economic concerns that dominated voter priorities in 2024.

5. **Examine Leadership Track Record**: Review each candidate’s governance experience, decision-making history, and ability to navigate complex political environments.

For political observers and voters outside the NPP, these primaries offer valuable insights into how major political parties respond to electoral setbacks and reposition themselves for future contests.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2026 NPP Primaries represent a defining moment for Ghana’s major opposition party as it seeks to recover from electoral defeat and position itself for 2028. Samuel Abu Jinapor’s strong endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlights the strategic considerations driving the party’s internal debate: name recognition, campaign experience, personal integrity, and unifying leadership capacity.

As delegates prepare to cast their votes, the choice before them extends beyond individual personalities to fundamental questions about the party’s identity, strategy, and future direction. Whether the NPP ultimately rallies behind Bawumia or selects another path, the January 31 decision will significantly influence Ghana’s political trajectory leading into the next general election.

The primaries also offer broader lessons about political adaptation and renewal, demonstrating how established parties must continually reassess their leadership, messaging, and coalition-building strategies in response to electoral setbacks. As Ghana’s democracy continues to mature, such internal party processes remain crucial mechanisms for political accountability and renewal.