The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has responded to criticism surrounding its decision to hold presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, insisting the move is constitutional, strategic, and not an attempt to impose a so-called “top-to-bottom” approach on internal elections.
The decision, announced by the National Council, has stirred controversy among political observers and some party members, who argue that holding the presidential primaries before electing new party executives undermines grassroots democracy. Others claim the move violates the party’s constitution in order to favour certain aspirants.
But according to Iddi Muhayu-Deen, ESQ., a legal practitioner and party member, the NPP is operating fully within the bounds of its constitution. Writing in response to the criticism, he clarified that Article 13(1)(1) of the NPP Constitution mandates the National Council — and only the National Council — to fix the date and venue for presidential primaries, without requiring approval from any other body.
He also debunked claims that the party is adopting a “top-to-bottom” structure.
“The position of flagbearer is not part of the internal party structure. The party still maintains its traditional bottom-to-top approach for electing executives from polling stations to national,” he explained.
Mr. Muhayu-Deen further noted that all current executives remain in office under their four-year mandate and will continue to do so until their terms expire between March and July 2026. As such, no internal elections are pending before the January 2026 presidential primaries.
The decision to conduct the presidential primaries first, he added, follows overwhelming feedback gathered by the Frank Davies-led Constitutional Review Committee and aligns with recommendations in the Prof. Mike Oquaye Election Review Report.
Among other reasons, the early election of a flagbearer is meant to:
Quickly fill the leadership vacuum after the 2024 defeat;
Present a clear opposition leader to the Ghanaian public;
Boost donor confidence and unify the party.
Curb internal factionalism during executive elections.
The new expanded electoral college, which could number over 300,000 delegates, will include not just current executives, but also former MPs, ministers, deputy ministers, MMDCEs, party elders, patrons, and TESCON coordinators — if ratified at the National Delegates Conference on July 19, 2025, at the University of Ghana.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Tutuwaa Danso
