Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has defended the party’s decision to hold its presidential primaries in January 2026, dismissing concerns that the move is premature or politically skewed.
Speaking on GHToday with Lily Mohammed on Wednesday, June 18, Ahiagbah explained that the decision, reached by the party’s National Council, is fully grounded in Article 31 of the NPP constitution.
“The decision is in full alignment with our constitution, particularly Article 31, which gives the National Council the authority to determine the date and venue for the selection of a flagbearer,” he stated. “The constitution uses the phrase ‘at least 24 months,’ which implies it can be done even earlier than that.”
Ahiagbah said the party deliberately opted for a top-down leadership approach this time, arguing that early clarity on presidential leadership will help stabilise the party and streamline preparations for the 2026 general elections.
READ: NPP to hold presidential primaries in January 2026
“One of the major stress points in political organisations is who leads during elections. Resolving that early allows the party to reorganise and refocus,” he said. “Once the leader is known, it brings clarity and discipline to all other structures that follow.”
He also rejected claims that the early date was designed to favour any particular aspirant.
“This is not about favouring anyone,” he said. “The decision went through extensive debate and was put to a vote. In the end, the majority were in support. Surprisingly, those expected to oppose it were mostly silent when the vote was called.”
Ahiagbah clarified that the party would likely maintain the delegate list used in the last presidential primaries, but said discussions are ongoing about amending the constitution to broaden participation.
“As it stands now, we’re likely using the existing list, but there is a proposal to amend the constitution to create new opportunities for delegate selection,” he added.
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According to Ahiagbah, the party’s internal leadership structure must be secured early to ensure smooth reorganisation and effective campaign planning. “If your parents are safe, then they can take care of the rest of the family,” he noted metaphorically.
The NPP’s presidential primaries are scheduled for 31 January 2026. The decision was approved by the party’s National Executive Committee and National Council during a meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Emmanuel Mensah
