Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has defended the party’s decision to hold its presidential primaries early, stating that the move is designed to provide the eventual flagbearer with ample time to engage key stakeholders and enhance the NPP’s visibility both locally and internationally.

His comments come in the wake of the NPP’s official announcement setting 31st January, 2026 as the date for the primaries, a decision emerging from the party’s ongoing constitutional review process aimed at improving electoral strategy and internal cohesion.

Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, 17th June, Haruna Mohammed explained that the early timeline will not only give the candidate a head start in policy communication but also foster stronger connections with the international and business communities.

He believes this will reposition the party as a credible and prepared alternative ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“It is going to market the candidate enough, particularly in terms of building contacts with the international community, the business community, and stakeholders across the globe,” he noted. “We will have sufficient time to communicate our policies effectively and hold the government accountable.”

He further highlighted the NPP’s current minority status in Parliament, with only 88 seats, as a reason to intensify external engagement.

“We need someone who can rise above internal distractions and rally support nationally and beyond to keep the government in check,” he added.