NPP Presidential Race: Delegates Prioritise Electoral Viability

Introduction

The race for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 presidential nomination has taken a fascinating turn, as recent survey data reveals that party delegates are fundamentally prioritising electoral viability over traditional political considerations. This shift in delegate thinking could reshape the landscape of Ghanaian politics in the coming years.

Key Points

Background

The New Patriotic Party, one of Ghana’s two dominant political parties, is preparing for its 2028 presidential primaries. As party delegates begin evaluating potential candidates, understanding their priorities becomes crucial for both current contenders and political strategists. The survey conducted by Global InfoAnalytics provides valuable insight into what drives delegate decision-making.

Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, recently shared these findings on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, highlighting a significant evolution in how party delegates approach candidate selection. This data represents a departure from traditional political considerations that have historically influenced delegate choices.

Analysis

The survey results reveal a pragmatic approach by NPP delegates, with nearly a quarter of respondents identifying electability as their paramount concern. This suggests delegates are thinking strategically about the party’s chances in the 2028 general elections rather than focusing solely on ideological alignment or personal loyalty.

The prominence of grassroots considerations (17%) indicates that delegates still value candidates with strong connections to the party’s base. This creates an interesting tension between candidates who might have national appeal but lack deep grassroots roots, and those who are well-connected locally but may struggle to attract broader support.

The equal weighting given to “bringing change” (16%) and “uniting the party” (16%) suggests delegates are looking for candidates who can both refresh the party’s image and heal potential divisions. This dual expectation could prove challenging for candidates to balance, particularly if the party has experienced internal conflicts.

The relatively low importance placed on having a “fighter” mentality (2%) represents a notable shift in political culture. Rather than rewarding confrontational or combative candidates, delegates seem to be favouring those who can build consensus and appeal to a wider electorate.

Practical Advice for Candidates

For potential NPP presidential candidates navigating this landscape, several strategic considerations emerge:

1. **Demonstrate Electoral Viability**: Candidates must present clear evidence of their ability to win national elections, whether through past electoral successes, demographic appeal, or coalition-building capabilities.

2. **Invest in Grassroots Relationships**: Building genuine connections with party members at the local level remains crucial, even as candidates develop national profiles.

3. **Articulate a Vision for Change**: Candidates need to present compelling narratives about how they will refresh and modernize the party while maintaining its core values.

4. **Focus on Unity**: Developing strategies to bridge potential divides within the party could prove advantageous, particularly in a crowded field of contenders.

5. **Build Trust Through Actions**: Consistent, transparent behaviour that builds credibility with delegates will be essential for those prioritising trustworthiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “winnability” mean in the context of NPP delegate selection?

Winnability refers to a candidate’s perceived ability to win the national presidential election. Delegates assessing winnability consider factors such as the candidate’s political experience, demographic appeal, regional support, and potential to attract swing voters.

How reliable are survey findings in predicting delegate behaviour?

While surveys like the Global InfoAnalytics study provide valuable insights into delegate thinking, they represent snapshots in time. Delegate preferences can evolve based on candidate performance, emerging issues, and political developments. The reliability depends on the survey methodology, sample size, and timing relative to the primaries.

What other factors might influence delegate decisions that weren’t captured in the survey?

The survey focuses on self-reported priorities, but delegates may also be influenced by factors such as:
– Financial support for their constituencies
– Personal relationships with candidates
– Endorsements from influential party figures
– Media coverage and public perception
– Policy positions on key issues

How does this focus on winnability compare to previous NPP selection processes?

Historical NPP primaries have often been influenced by factors such as loyalty to party leadership, regional balancing, and ideological alignment. The current emphasis on electability suggests a more strategic, outcome-focused approach that prioritises electoral success over traditional considerations.

Conclusion

The Global InfoAnalytics survey reveals a significant shift in NPP delegate priorities, with electability emerging as the dominant consideration in the 2028 presidential race. This pragmatic approach suggests delegates are thinking strategically about the party’s prospects in the general election rather than focusing solely on ideological alignment or personal loyalty.

The equal emphasis on grassroots engagement, change, and party unity indicates that successful candidates will need to balance multiple competing demands. Those who can demonstrate both electoral viability and genuine connection with the party base, while presenting a vision for positive change and unity, are likely to have advantages in this selection process.

As the race develops, candidates and political observers alike will be watching to see how these delegate priorities translate into campaign strategies and ultimately, voting patterns in the primaries. The NPP’s approach to selecting its 2028 presidential candidate could set important precedents for political party democracy in Ghana and beyond.