Kennedy Agyapong leads NPP Presidential race with 51.4% support – Survey

Former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong is currently leading the race to become the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections, according to a new poll released by civil society group Sanity Africa.

The survey, conducted between April and June 2025, reveals that Agyapong commands 51.4% of delegate support, putting him ahead of his main rival, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 42.2%. Other aspirants, Dr. Bryan Acheampong and Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, polled 3.1% and 3.0% respectively.

This study forms the first of a three-phase research project designed to track delegate preferences ahead of the NPP primaries in January 2026. The remaining phases are expected in October 2025 and during the final days leading into the primaries.

Agyapong Leads Across Key Demographics and Regions

The data indicates that Kennedy Agyapong is the top choice across several influential voter groups within the NPP. His strongest backing comes from:

• Women – 57.8%
• Youth under 40 – 63%
• Students – 58.9%
• Unemployed delegates – 52.8%
• Self-employed persons – 55.5%, including traders, farmers, and artisans.

He also dominates regionally, leading in 10 out of the 16 regions, with particularly strong support in:

• Central Region – 68.1%
• Western Region – 59.5%
• Eastern Region – 60.8%

Bawumia Holds Edge Among Older, Employed, and Muslim Delegates

While Kennedy Agyapong leads overall, Dr. Bawumia still maintains a firm grip on some key segments:

• Male delegates – 48.9%
• Delegates aged 40 and above
• Full-time employees – 53.8%
• Muslim delegates – 52.8%

The poll shows that religious identity is a key influence. Agyapong is the preferred choice among Christian delegates (61.6%) and also leads among atheist and traditionalist delegates (55.1%).

Generational and Religious Divide Evident in Delegate Preferences

The survey illustrates a clear generational gap in the contest. Younger voters and those in informal or self-employment sectors are more likely to favour Agyapong, while older and professionally employed members lean toward Bawumia.

Similarly, religion plays a decisive role: Muslim delegates largely support Bawumia, whereas Christians and non-religious delegates are more inclined toward Agyapong.

Swing Regions and Close Contests

Though Agyapong leads in most regions, Bawumia dominates in six, including:

• Northern Region – 50.8%
• North East Region – 51.6%
• Upper West Region – 61.5%

However, the race remains too close to call in areas such as the Savannah and Upper East regions, where no candidate has a commanding lead.

Sanity Africa Cautions Against Premature Conclusions

Sanity Africa emphasized that these findings represent a snapshot in time and are likely to shift as campaigns intensify and the NPP updates its delegate album.

“The report offers a critical baseline for tracking movement in delegate preferences and the factors shaping their choices,” the organization noted.

Future survey phases will include other influential groups such as former appointees and ex-party executives, whose preferences could reshape the dynamics of the race significantly.