Accra: Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the five candidates vying for the position in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary to prioritize unity within the party. Speaking at a peace pact signing event in Accra, Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of candidates accepting the election results and collaborating for the party's success in future elections.
According to Ghana Web, Akufo-Addo referenced the party's past primaries, highlighting the significance of unity post-election as evidence of the party's strong democratic values. He recalled the 1992 presidential primaries, where aspirants including Dr Kofi Dsane-Selby and Mr John Agyekum Kufuor united behind the chosen flagbearer, Professor Adu Boahen. Akufo-Addo, who served as the campaign manager at the time, witnessed the power of collective purpose and discipline in strengthening the party.
He further emphasized that the NPP must manage victories with humility and defeats with dignity to gain the Ghanaian people's confidence. Drawing from a biblical reference, he warned that a divided party would not attract voters. The NPP presidential primary is scheduled for January 31, 2026, to select the party's flagbearer for the 2028 general election.
The five main contenders for the flagbearer position are former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Assin Central legislator Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.