2028 Elections: NPP Electing Flagbearer Early to Address Internal Challenges – Justin Kodua
Party General Secretary says early flagbearer election aims to ease internal tensions and stabilize finances ahead of 2028
- January 31, 2026, was set to reduce internal conflicts and social media agitation within the NPP.
- Electing a flagbearer early will help raise funds and re-energize the party base.
- NPP is reversing its election structure
Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua, General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has explained the rationale behind the party’s decision to hold its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio with Kwame Tanko, Kodua revealed that the decision was taken after extensive internal consultations.
According to him, the Frank Davis Committee reviewed over 300 proposals from party members and supporters, including those initially submitted by the Mike Oquaye Committee.
These proposals were considered ahead of a scheduled July 9th congress, where recommendations would be presented to the party’s National Council.
“One of the major proposals discussed was the expansion of the party’s Electoral College and the timeline for electing a presidential candidate. Although the committee stopped short of giving an exact date, it strongly recommended an early primary to address internal issues.”
Kodua cited Article 13 of the NPP constitution, which governs the election of a presidential candidate, as the legal basis for the process.
He noted that during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 17, 2025, a majority of members agreed on the January 31, 2026, date.
Why the Early Date?
According to Kodua, the decision was influenced by several key factors:
-
Current State of the Party:
Kodua admitted that the NPP is currently facing internal dissatisfaction, saying, “The state of the party now cannot be compared to what it was in 1996 or 2008.” -
Social Media Campaigns & Tensions:
Despite official warnings that nominations have not been opened, there has been growing campaigning and tension online. An early primary, he said, would ease tensions and prevent destabilization within the party. -
Party Finances:
Kodua emphasized that the financial health of the party is a concern. Electing a flagbearer early would allow the new leader to begin mobilizing resources and helping with fundraising efforts. -
Combating Apathy:
Reflecting on the 2024 elections, Kodua highlighted that apathy—especially from grassroots members—significantly hurt the party. He argued that the previous bottom-up approach (starting primaries from polling stations) contributed to this.
“Now, the party is adopting a top-down approach, beginning with national-level elections. According to him, electing the flagbearer before local executives will help reduce apathy and restore confidence.”
Kodua concluded by saying that the January 31, 2026 date stands unless the party makes a new decision before then.
