NPP Flagbearer Race: Over 16,000 Delegates Remain Undecided – Latest Poll Data

Introduction

The race for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position has intensified as new polling data reveals a significant number of delegates remain undecided just weeks before the crucial primary election. This uncertainty creates a dynamic political landscape where strategic campaigning and last-minute persuasion could dramatically alter the outcome. Understanding these numbers is essential for political analysts, party members, and voters who want to grasp the current state of this pivotal contest that will shape Ghana’s political future.

Key Points

Background

The NPP presidential primary represents one of the most significant political events in Ghana’s democratic calendar. With President Nana Akufo-Addo completing his constitutionally mandated two terms, the party must select a new standard-bearer to contest the 2024 general election. The primary will determine who leads the NPP into what promises to be a fiercely contested battle against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other opposition parties.

The current race features prominent candidates including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who brings the advantage of incumbency and close association with the outgoing administration, and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a controversial but popular Member of Parliament known for his outspoken nature and grassroots appeal. Other candidates include former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh, though they currently trail in the polls.

Analysis

The polling data from JoyNews Research provides crucial insights into the current state of the NPP flagbearer race. Dr. Bawumia’s 47% support represents a strong position, particularly when considering the 95% confidence interval that suggests he could potentially secure the 50% plus one vote threshold required for an outright first-round victory. This would be a significant achievement, as it would prevent the need for a costly and potentially divisive runoff election.

Kennedy Agyapong’s 36% support demonstrates his enduring popularity within the party, particularly among delegates who may be seeking a change from the current administration’s approach. His consistent polling numbers suggest a solid base of support that could prove crucial if the election goes to a second round.

However, the most striking aspect of this data is the substantial number of undecided delegates. With over 16,000 delegates yet to make their final decision, both leading candidates face the challenge of converting these swing voters. This undecided bloc represents approximately 17% of the total delegate population, making it a potentially decisive factor in the final outcome.

The presence of such a large undecided segment suggests several possibilities: delegates may be waiting for final campaign messages, some may be strategically withholding their preferences, or there could be genuine uncertainty about which candidate best represents the party’s interests going into the 2024 general election.

Practical Advice

For candidates in this race, the path forward requires strategic focus on several key areas:

**Targeted Messaging**: Both leading candidates should develop specific messaging aimed at addressing the concerns of undecided delegates. This might include town hall meetings, one-on-one engagements, and tailored policy proposals that resonate with different regional and demographic groups within the party.

**Grassroots Mobilization**: The importance of grassroots support cannot be overstated. Candidates should intensify their engagement with local party structures, ensuring that their message reaches delegates at the constituency level where personal relationships often influence voting decisions.

**Coalition Building**: With the possibility of a second-round runoff, candidates should begin identifying potential alliance partners among the trailing candidates. The ability to consolidate support from other camps could prove decisive in a close contest.

**Media Strategy**: Given the significant undecided vote, both candidates should maximize their media presence, particularly through platforms that reach party delegates effectively. This includes traditional media, social media, and targeted digital advertising.

FAQ

Conclusion

The NPP flagbearer race remains highly competitive with Dr. Bawumia holding a lead but facing significant challenges from Kennedy Agyapong and the substantial bloc of undecided delegates. The polling data reveals a fluid political situation where the final outcome remains uncertain until delegates cast their votes. With over 16,000 delegates still undecided, both leading candidates have considerable work to do in the coming weeks to secure their positions and potentially achieve the first-round victory threshold.

The significance of this primary extends beyond internal party politics, as it will determine who leads the NPP into the 2024 general election against a formidable NDC opposition. The ability of candidates to effectively engage with undecided delegates, build coalitions, and present compelling visions for the party’s future will be crucial factors in determining the eventual winner. As the campaign intensifies, all eyes will be on how these dynamics unfold in the lead-up to the decisive primary vote.

Sources

– JoyNews Research polling data analysis
– Multimedia Group Limited reports
– New Patriotic Party official communications
– Ghana Electoral Commission guidelines on party primaries

Note: The original article was published on January 30, 2026, by Life Pulse Daily, with additional coverage available at www.myjoyonline.com.