The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Elections Committee on Friday, January 9, 2026, held a high-level consultative meeting with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at his private office in Labone as part of preparations for the party’s upcoming presidential primaries.
The engagement forms part of a series of strategic consultations aimed at ensuring a smooth, transparent, and credible process ahead of the election of a new presidential candidate scheduled for January 31.
Members of the committee, comprising senior and experienced party officials, briefed the former President on the election roadmap, the state of logistical readiness, and enhanced vetting mechanisms introduced to protect party cohesion throughout the process.
With the NPP now in opposition, the forthcoming primary is widely regarded as a critical moment for the party, as leadership seeks to present a flagbearer capable of reclaiming power in the next general election.
Sources indicate that discussions focused on the integrity of the voter register and the procedures established to address internal disputes that may arise during the process.
Former President Akufo-Addo, engaging in his capacity as a respected party elder, reportedly underscored the need for a level playing field to prevent divisions that could weaken the party’s electoral prospects.
The meeting is also viewed as an attempt to secure the institutional support of the former President, whose influence within the party’s grassroots structures remains significant.
The Presidential Elections Committee is expected to publish the final list of qualified aspirants after the conclusion of the appeals process for any disqualified contenders.
The 2026 NPP flagbearer contest is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the party’s history, with an estimated delegate base of about 200,000 drawn from all 275 constituencies. This includes constituency and regional executives, sitting Members of Parliament, and representatives of the party’s external branches.
To strengthen credibility, the committee has introduced stricter vetting standards that prioritise the public appeal and integrity of aspirants required for a nationwide campaign. In addition, a decentralised voting system will enable delegates to cast their ballots simultaneously at designated centres across the country, a measure aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing the concentration of influence.
