NDC Congratulates NPP For Violence Free Flagbearer Election

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has congratulated the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for holding a peaceful presidential primary that elected Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as flagbearer.

In a statement issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the NDC praised the opposition party for conducting the election without violence and described the process as well organized. The governing party said the primary, which produced former Vice President Dr. Bawumia as the NPP’s flagbearer for the December 2028 presidential election, reflected positively on Ghana’s democratic credentials.

The NDC thanked the Ghana Police Service for the remarkable and efficient manner they secured the entire process. According to the party, the professionalism displayed by the police contributed significantly to maintaining peace and order during the primary.

Dr. Bawumia won the NPP presidential primary with 110,643 votes out of 195,901 valid votes cast, representing 56.48 percent. His closest rival, Kennedy Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, came second with 46,554 votes representing 23.76 percent, while Dr. Bryan Acheampong came third with 36,303 votes representing 18.53 percent.

The NDC noted the concession and reconciliatory statements issued by the unsuccessful aspirants in the NPP contest. The governing party expressed hope that the candidates would translate their words into action to promote unity within their party.

“We have also taken note of the reconciliatory concession statements from the other unsuccessful candidates, and hope that they will walk their talk,” the statement said.

More than 211,000 delegates cast their ballots at over 300 polling centres across Ghana during the primary held on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Party officials described the internal contest as keenly contested yet peaceful throughout.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum placed fourth with 1,999 votes representing 1.02 percent, while Kwabena Agyei Agyepong came fifth, polling 402 votes representing 0.21 percent of total valid votes cast.

The NDC statement extended a hand to the NPP for collaboration and participation in efforts to strengthen and deepen Ghana’s democracy. According to the governing party, peaceful internal party elections remain critical to consolidating democratic gains and fostering political stability ahead of future national polls.

Following the declaration of results at the NPP National Headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra, Dr. Bawumia called for unity within the party. He expressed gratitude to party delegates, election officials, security agencies and the media for ensuring a credible process.

Kennedy Agyapong urged his supporters to stay calm after the results, while Dr. Bryan Acheampong congratulated Dr. Bawumia, describing the outcome as a demonstration of divine favor. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong also conceded defeat and pledged support for the flagbearer elect.

The NPP Minority in Parliament has indicated it will intensify scrutiny of the ruling NDC government following the conclusion of the primary. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin said the caucus would focus on holding the administration accountable on issues affecting ordinary Ghanaians.

Dr. Bawumia’s victory positions him as the NPP candidate for the 2028 presidential race. This marks his second consecutive time winning the party’s flagbearer election, having previously secured the position ahead of the 2024 general election.

The successful conduct of the NPP primary demonstrates the maturity of Ghana’s democratic processes and the commitment of political parties to peaceful internal elections, according to political analysts.