NPP Sets 2026 National Executive Elections: 50 Aspirants to Undergo Vetting Ahead of October Polls

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has finalized the schedule for its 2026 National Officers Elections, with 50 aspirants vying for 11 executive positions following the close of nominations on August 22, 2026. The party's National Elections Committee announced that the vetting of candidates will take place from Monday, August 31, to Thursday, September 3, 2026. This internal election cycle is viewed as a critical step in the party’s strategy to reorganize and reclaim power in the 2028 general elections, following their defeat in 2024. To ensure a transparent process, the committee has deferred the announcement of a definitive balloting date until all vetting and potential appeals are resolved.

The race for the National Chairperson position is among the most contested, with five notable candidates seeking to succeed the outgoing chair, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, who is not seeking re-election. Key contenders include former National Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko, who is campaigning on a –3R Agenda– (Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture), and John Boadu. Simultaneously, incumbent General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua is seeking another term against three challengers, including Eugene Boakye Antwi and Sylvester Tetteh. Kodua has pledged that, if re-elected, his primary focus will be ensuring the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, wins the 2028 presidential election.

A significant point of contention has emerged regarding the candidacy of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. Despite currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining activities, Wontumi’s campaign team intends to file his nomination for National Chairperson on August 27. The move has sparked legal and ethical debates within the party, as NPP rules generally bar individuals sentenced to more than 10 years from holding office. While the National Elections Committee has allowed his team to obtain forms, his eligibility will ultimately be determined by the Vetting Committee during the upcoming sessions.

Beyond the high-profile leadership battles, the party is emphasizing a return to grassroots mobilization and internal reconciliation. Richard Ahiagbah, the National Communications Director and a candidate for National First Vice Chairman, has called for a shift toward empowering local party structures to enhance electoral success. Similarly, newly elected regional executives in the Oti Region have committed to addressing internal divisions and strengthening constituency coordination. This broader focus on unity and media engagement, as echoed by Ashanti Regional Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, underscores the NPP's effort to rehabilitate its public image and build a cohesive front ahead of the 2028 polls.