Strategies for Peaceful Primaries: NPP Urged to Manage Internal Tensions Ahead of 2026

Introduction

The political landscape in Ghana is currently focused on the internal dynamics of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as it approaches a critical milestone in its democratic calendar. With the presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, the party faces the dual challenge of managing a competitive selection process while maintaining the unity necessary to contest the 2028 general elections. Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a Political Scientist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, has issued a timely advisory regarding the necessity of ensuring peaceful primaries amid rising inner tensions. This article explores the significance of Dr. Asah-Asante’s commentary, the context of the upcoming elections, and the practical steps the NPP can take to foster internal cohesion.

Key Points

Background

The 2026 Presidential Primaries

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is preparing to select its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections. The decision to hold the primaries on January 31, 2026, allows the party ample time to heal any wounds resulting from the contest and to strategize for the national polls. This internal democratic exercise is crucial for the party’s continuity and success.

The Aspirants and the Peace Pact

In a bid to mitigate potential conflict, all five presidential aspirants signed a peace pact on Thursday, January 22, 2026 (as reported in the context). The signatories include:

1. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
2. Kennedy Agyapong
3. Dr. Bryan Acheampong
4. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
5. Kwabena Agyepong

This agreement commits the candidates to respecting the electoral rules, accepting the results, and rallying behind the eventual winner—a standard procedure intended to safeguard the party’s collective interest.

Current Political Climate

The NPP is currently navigating internal challenges following the 2024 general elections. The atmosphere is charged, with various factions supporting different candidates. Dr. Asah-Asante’s comments highlight that the “issues inside the birthday celebration” (party) necessitate a careful and moderated approach to the upcoming contest to avoid deepening existing rifts.

Analysis

The Importance of Non-Violent Primaries

Dr. Asah-Asante’s advice to ensure non-violent primaries is grounded in political science principles regarding party cohesion. In Ghanaian politics, primary contests can often be as intense as general elections. If the contest becomes toxic, it can lead to a phenomenon known as “political apathy” or “sabotage” by losing factions. The analyst posits that the party’s executive structure and the aspirants themselves bear the responsibility for setting a tone of civility.

Managing Inner Tensions

The phrase “inner tensions” refers to the ideological, personal, or factional conflicts within the NPP. Dr. Asah-Asante notes that the party is already grappling with these challenges. If these tensions are not managed effectively, the peace pact may become merely symbolic. The real test lies in the conduct of the campaign trails. Aggressive exchanges and personal attacks can leave lasting scars, making it difficult for the losing side to genuinely mobilize for the winner later.

Post-Primary Support Dynamics

A critical aspect of Dr. Asah-Asante’s analysis is the behavior of the supporters. He argues that while candidates must accept defeat, the party machinery must ensure that the electorate feels their voice was heard. The transition from a heated primary to a united front for the general election requires what political scientists call “conflict transformation.” If the aspirants publicly attack each other, the narrative changes from policy debate to personality clashes, which complicates the healing process.

Practical Advice

Steps for the NPP to Ensure Peaceful Primaries

To translate Dr. Asah-Asante’s advice into reality, the NPP can adopt the following strategies:

• Strict Adherence to Internal Rules: The party must enforce its constitution strictly. Any breach of protocol should be addressed swiftly by the National Council to prevent perceptions of bias.
• Focus on Policy, Not Personality: Aspirants should be encouraged to debate policy and vision rather than engaging in ad hominem attacks. This preserves the dignity of the office they seek.
• Establishing a Grievance Mechanism: A neutral committee should be available to address complaints during the campaign period, ensuring that grievances are resolved legally rather than through public spats.
• Campaign Finance Regulation: The party should monitor campaign spending to prevent the use of financial power to intimidate opponents, which is a common source of tension.
• Joint Campaign Rallies: Post-nomination, the party should organize events that feature all candidates to project a united front early on.

Role of Aspirants and Supporters

Aspirants must lead by example. Dr. Asah-Asante explicitly stated that “supporters will have to rally behind the winner.” However, this usually requires the candidate to actively command their supporters to do so. Therefore, the aspirants must include unity messaging in their campaign manifestos.

FAQ

Conclusion

The advisory from Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante serves as a necessary wake-up call for the New Patriotic Party. As the January 31, 2026, presidential primaries approach, the focus must remain on democratic integrity and party unity. While competition is healthy for democracy, the potential for inner tensions to escalate into conflict poses a significant risk to the party’s future. By adhering to the peace pact and prioritizing a non-violent, issue-based campaign, the NPP can ensure that the transition from the primaries to the 2028 general elections is smooth, cohesive, and ultimately successful.