A new opinion poll released by the policy research group Africa Policy Lens (APL) shows former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with a commanding lead in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer race ahead of the party’s presidential primaries. The poll results suggest that support for Bawumia has strengthened following recent campaign engagements by the various aspirants.
The survey, carried out nationwide between early December 2025 and late January 2026, gathered responses from more than nine thousand party officials, including polling station executives, constituency executives and area coordinators. The group said it ensured a wide representation of delegates across all 276 constituencies.
According to the findings, Bawumia’s support rose to about sixty one percent after he visited constituencies and met delegates in person. This put him well ahead of his closest rivals, including businessman and politician Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and former minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong, whose support increased only modestly during the same period. Delegates said Bawumia’s message on party unity, grassroots support and election preparedness stood out compared to the other aspirants.
The poll results show that many NPP officials were present during the candidates’ constituency visits, and their feedback suggests that direct engagement played a key role in shaping preferences. Bawumia’s message clarity was rated higher by most respondents, contributing to his rising support.
While some recent alternative surveys have projected different outcomes for the leadership contest, including strong backing for other candidates in other polls, the latest APL survey suggests that Bawumia remains the frontrunner as the party approaches its final nomination and voting processes.
As Ghana’s oldest centre-right party prepares for a crucial internal vote ahead of the 2028 general elections, the poll reflects how delegates are responding to campaign efforts and aspirants’ strategies. APL said its results provide a snapshot of current preferences and could influence campaign dynamics as the party moves closer to selecting its flagbearer.
