By Daniel Bampoe
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has emerged as the preferred political party among Ghanaian voters according to a new nationwide survey conducted by Africa Policy Lens (APL), providing a major boost to the party’s efforts to stage a political comeback ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The latest National Voter Perception Poll, conducted between May 23 and May 30, 2026, surveyed 6,483 voters across all sixteen regions of Ghana to assess voter intentions, political preferences, economic conditions, and perceptions about the direction of the country.
The findings suggest that the NPP currently holds a significant lead over the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), despite being in opposition.
According to the survey, 49 percent of respondents indicated that they would vote for the NPP if elections were held today, compared to 39 percent who expressed support for the ruling NDC.
Eight percent of respondents said they remain undecided, while three percent indicated they would not vote and two percent preferred other political parties.
The poll results come at a time when the NPP is undergoing a major rebuilding and reorganization exercise following its defeat in the 2024 general elections. Since emerging victorious in the party’s presidential primary on January 31, 2026, former Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has embarked on an aggressive campaign of party unity, reconciliation, grassroots mobilization, and policy repositioning aimed at preparing the party for the next electoral contest.
Political analysts say the survey could be interpreted as an early indication that sections of the electorate may be reassessing the performance of the current administration while also responding positively to the NPP’s renewed efforts to reconnect with voters.
The APL report described the NPP’s lead as a “measurable advantage” but cautioned that the political landscape remains highly competitive. Despite trailing by eleven percentage points, the NDC still commands the support of more than one-third of respondents, while the undecided voter bloc remains large enough to influence future electoral outcomes.
The survey further revealed interesting gender dynamics in voter preferences.
Among female respondents, the NDC appeared to enjoy stronger support, with 44 percent indicating preference for the governing party compared to 32.4 percent for the NPP. About 14.4 percent of women surveyed remained undecided, while 6.9 percent indicated they would not vote.
However, the NPP recorded overwhelming support among male respondents. The poll showed that 51 percent of men preferred the NPP, while 36.7 percent supported the NDC.
About 7.5 percent remained undecided, with 3.1 percent indicating they would not participate in elections.
According to the survey’s analysis, voter preferences are being shaped largely by perceptions of national direction, economic conditions, personal wellbeing, and confidence in governance. The report noted that respondents who expressed dissatisfaction with the economy and the overall direction of the country were more inclined to support the opposition NPP, while those with positive assessments of current conditions tended to favor the NDC.
The findings are likely to intensify political debate as both major parties begin positioning themselves for the 2028 elections. For the NPP, the poll could be seen as validation of recent efforts led by Dr. Bawumia to rebuild party structures, strengthen parliamentary opposition, and reconnect with grassroots supporters across the country.
Since becoming flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia has repeatedly emphasized that the NPP must move beyond internal divisions and focus on winning back the trust and confidence of Ghanaians.
He has held consultations with party elders, former presidential aspirants, Members of Parliament, religious bodies, diplomatic missions, youth groups, and civil society organizations as part of a broader strategy to reposition the party as a credible alternative government.
The NPP has also launched a nationwide membership registration exercise and begun implementing reforms aimed at strengthening its internal structures ahead of internal elections scheduled to culminate later this year.
At the same time, the party’s Minority Caucus in Parliament has been tasked with holding the government accountable while projecting itself as a government-in-waiting.
For the governing NDC, the survey presents both a warning and an opportunity.
While the party continues to enjoy significant support nationwide, the findings suggest that public concerns about economic conditions and governance performance could become major issues heading into the next election cycle if not adequately addressed.
