By Daniel Bampoe
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emerged as the clear favourite to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2028 general elections, according to a new survey conducted by the Africa Policy Lens (APL).
The internal poll, which sampled the views of over 30,000 party delegates across the 16 regions, places Dr. Bawumia far ahead of his rivals in the race to become the party’s next presidential candidate.
Poll Results Show Bawumia’s Dominance
The APL survey covered 30,681 delegates, representing a broad cross-section of the NPP’s electoral college — including constituency executives, polling station coordinators, and regional representatives.
According to the results, Dr. Bawumia secured 63.8% support, establishing a commanding lead over his closest rival, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who received 28.9%.
The remaining candidates, including Dr. Bryan Acheampong (4.6%), Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (1.5%), and Kwabena Agyapong (1.2%), trailed significantly behind.
The data further reveals that Dr. Bawumia leads in 14 out of the 16 regions, while Kennedy Agyapong dominates in the Central and Western North regions — areas traditionally considered his political strongholds due to his Ashanti-Fante background and grassroots appeal.
Regional And Political Implications
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s overwhelming lead across most regions underscores his strong national presence and continued acceptance within the NPP’s rank and file.
His dominance in key regions such as Ashanti, Eastern, Bono East, and the Northern Regions reflects the consolidation of support from both the party’s establishment and its base.
Political observers believe the poll results position Dr. Bawumia as the frontrunner for the party’s upcoming presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.
The Road To 2028
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s continued popularity within the NPP follows a challenging post-election period after the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Many political commentators had questioned his ability to maintain control over the party base.
However, through a carefully structured nationwide campaign — focusing on unity, grassroots engagement, and digital transformation — he appears to have successfully revived confidence in his leadership.
The former Vice President’s political brand has been built around themes of economic innovation, digital governance, and inclusion, which many delegates still see as essential to the party’s renewal.
His outreach to constituency executives, regional chairpersons, and polling station coordinators over the past year has further strengthened his grip on the NPP’s internal machinery.
Kennedy Agyapong’s Resilience
Despite Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s lead, Kennedy Agyapong remains a formidable force.
His second-place position in the poll, with nearly 29%, underscores his influence among a significant section of the party’s grassroots. Known for his bluntness and advocacy for internal reform, Kennedy Agyapong has positioned himself as a champion of integrity and discipline within the NPP.
His control of the Central and Western North regions suggests his appeal is strongest among party loyalists seeking an alternative leadership style — one grounded in accountability and direct communication.
Analysts’ Take
According to Dr. George Domfe, President of Africa Policy Lens and a Development Economist at the University of Ghana, the findings indicate that “Dr. Bawumia continues to maintain a strong grassroots appeal and organizational advantage that may be difficult to overturn before the primaries.”
He added that the poll reflects “a maturing internal democracy within the NPP, where delegates are making their choices based on track record and leadership capability.”
NPP’s Next Steps
The poll results are expected to spark renewed discussions within the NPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Council of Elders, as the party strategizes to present a united front ahead of the primaries.
Party leaders have emphasized the need for internal cohesion, urging supporters to avoid divisive campaigning and focus on winning back public confidence for the 2028 elections.
If the trend holds, Dr. Bawumia’s commanding lead could translate into an early consolidation of support — allowing the party to channel its efforts towards rebuilding its image and strengthening its message ahead of the national polls.
