As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares to elect its next presidential flagbearer on Saturday, January 31, the contest revives memories of past internal battles that have shaped the party’s political direction since the return to constitutional rule in 1992.

Over the last three decades, the NPP has conducted seven major presidential primaries, producing flagbearers who have gone on to redefine the party’s fortunes—sometimes after bruising internal contests that tested party unity and resilience.

1992: Adu Boahen Sets the Foundation

The NPP’s first presidential primaries in the Fourth Republic took place in 1992, producing Prof. Albert Adu Boahen as the party’s maiden flagbearer.

Adu Boahen secured a decisive 56.60 per cent, defeating Dr Dsane Selby, who polled 17.30 per cent, according to data compiled by the Joy Research Desk from NPP election archives.

Although Adu Boahen lost the general election to the late Jerry John Rawlings, his candidacy laid the ideological and organisational foundation of the modern NPP, firmly anchoring it in the Danquah–Busia–Dombo tradition.

1996: Kufuor Emerges as New Face

In 1996, the party turned to John Agyekum Kufuor, who won the flagbearer race with 51.99 per cent, defeating Adu Boahen, who garnered 35.70 per cent. Kufuor’s emergence marked a generational shift and positioned the NPP for a renewed national appeal.

Though Kufuor again lost to Rawlings in the general election, the 1996 primary proved pivotal in grooming him for future success.

1998: A Landslide Victory

Two years later, in 1998, Kufuor consolidated his dominance within the party, winning the primaries emphatically with 64.60 per cent, ahead of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo, who obtained 31.64 per cent.

This commanding victory strengthened Kufuor’s authority and unity within the party, setting the stage for the historic 2000 general election victory, which brought the NPP into power for the first time in the Fourth Republic.

2007: Nana Akufo‑Addo Takes Over

Following Kufuor’s two‑term tenure, the NPP entered a fiercely contested primary in 2007. Nana Akufo‑Addo emerged victorious with 47.97 per cent, narrowly edging out Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who polled 32.30 per cent.

The race was one of the most competitive in the party’s history, highlighting deep but manageable internal divisions.

Because no candidate achieved the mandatory 50% +1 vote, a run-off was required between the top two contenders, Akufo-Addo and Kyerematen.

Alan Kyerematen voluntarily withdrew from the contest to avoid a run-off, stating his decision was made to foster unity within the party and in the supreme interest of the party. Consequently, Nana Akufo-Addo was declared the flagbearer for the 2008 general election, although he narrowly lost to the NDC’s John Evans Atta Mills.

2010: Dominance Established

In 2010, Akufo‑Addo tightened his grip on the party, winning the primaries overwhelmingly with 78.89 per cent, while Alan Kyerematen trailed with 19.91 per cent. The result signalled near‑total party endorsement of Akufo‑Addo’s leadership.

Despite this internal strength, Akufo‑Addo lost the 2012 general election to John Dramani Mahama, following a tightly contested poll and subsequent Supreme Court challenge.

2014: Near‑Unanimous Endorsement

By 2014, Akufo‑Addo’s dominance was unquestionable. He secured a remarkable 94.35 per cent of the votes, with Alan Kyerematen managing just 4.75 per cent.

That unity paid off electorally. Akufo‑Addo went on to win the 2016 general election, defeating incumbent President Mahama, and later secured a second term in 2020, making him one of the most successful flagbearers in the party’s history.

2023: Bawumia Breaks New Ground

In 2023, the NPP made history again with the election of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as flagbearer. Bawumia won convincingly with 61.4 per cent, beating Kennedy Agyapong, who secured 31 per cent.

Bawumia’s victory marked a significant transition, producing the party’s first Muslim and first northern‑origin flagbearer, and signalling a deliberate effort by the NPP to broaden its electoral coalition.

Looking Ahead to January 31

Saturday’s primaries are expected to be among the largest internal elections in the party’s history, with over 211,000 delegates voting nationwide. The contest comes at a critical time, as the NPP seeks to regroup, energise its base, and position itself for the next general election cycle.

History suggests that commanding victories—such as those recorded by Kufuor in 1998 and Akufo‑Addo in 2014—have often translated into stronger national performances, while closely fought contests have tested party cohesion.

As delegates cast their ballots, the outcome will not only determine the party’s next flagbearer but will also write the next chapter in the NPP’s evolving political story—one deeply rooted in competitive internal democracy since 1992.