Dr John Osae-Kwapong, a Fellow at CDD-Ghana and Project Director of The Democracy Project, has downplayed suggestions that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision to hold its presidential primaries on 31st January, 2026 is unprecedented, stating that the move is not new within the party.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, June 21, Dr Osae-Kwapong noted that the NPP has, in previous election cycles, set early dates to give its flagbearer sufficient time to prepare.

“It is not new. The NPP has done this before. In 2012, for example, the party elected its presidential candidate two years ahead of the election,” he pointed out.

The NPP announced the date following a National Executive Committee and National Council meeting held in Accra, explaining that the early primaries aim to give the flagbearer adequate time to engage the grassroots and unify the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.

According to the approved schedule, nominations will open from 2 to 6 December 2025, with vetting to take place between 9 and 10 December.

Primaries in orphan constituencies begin in August 2025, while those with sitting MPs will be held in April 2026.

So far, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, MP for Bosomtwe, has declared his intention to contest, making the announcement via Facebook on 18 June.

Former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong has also declared his bid, while former Vice-President and 2024 flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is widely expected to run again, enjoying support from several party MPs who in the course of the week, called on him to pledge support.