Kennedy Agyapong to File NPP Presidential Nomination Forms on Wednesday

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Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the outspoken Member of Parliament for Assin Central, is set to take another bold step in his bid to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP). On Wednesday, he will formally submit his nomination papers for the party’s 2026 presidential primaries. The move will mark his official entry into the race to become the NPP’s flagbearer as the party works to regroup after its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

According to his campaign team, Agyapong intends to personally deliver the forms at the NPP headquarters in Accra, a symbolic gesture that reflects his hands-on approach to politics. His team believes the direct submission will reinforce the seriousness of his campaign and send a message to party supporters about his readiness to contest.

Backed by a Strong Team

Stephen Amoah, the Nhyiaeso MP who has become one of Agyapong’s key campaign coordinators, confirmed the filing schedule. He noted that this submission was not a last-minute decision but part of a carefully planned strategy to get ahead of the competition.

The nomination process began earlier this month when four Members of Parliament collected the forms on Agyapong’s behalf on August 5. Those who facilitated the process were Kwaku Kwarteng of Obuasi West, Charles Forson of Tema West, Stephen Amoah of Nhyiaeso, and Lawrence Agyinsam of Hemang Lower Denkyira.

That act made Agyapong the first candidate to officially secure nomination papers for the 2026 contest, an early sign of how eager his team is to set the pace for the primaries.

Building on His 2024 Campaign

Agyapong is entering this race with momentum already behind him. In the party’s last flagbearer contest in 2024, he surprised many by finishing second to former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. That performance not only raised his profile within the party but also showed he could command substantial support at the grassroots level.

Observers say his 2024 campaign revealed two important things: first, that he could rally large sections of the party’s base with his populist style and outspoken character; and second, that he had enough financial and organizational strength to compete with more established figures in the party. Those qualities, coupled with the lessons learned from his first run, make him a formidable contender in the upcoming primaries.

A Calculated Early Move

Political analysts are already pointing to the timing of his filing as a deliberate strategy. By becoming the first to submit his papers, Agyapong has created an impression of confidence and readiness, while also gaining a head start on organizing his campaign.

Filing early means his team can now shift full attention to mobilizing delegates, building alliances, and fine-tuning their message, rather than being bogged down by administrative deadlines later. It also gives him the opportunity to shape the early narrative of the race, putting pressure on rivals who may still be weighing their options or finalizing their teams.

The Stakes for the NPP

For the New Patriotic Party, the 2026 flagbearer race carries enormous weight. After two terms in power, the NPP lost the 2024 general election to John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The defeat left the party facing tough questions about leadership, policy direction, and unity.

The upcoming primaries will determine who is best positioned to restore the party’s fortunes and mount a strong challenge in the 2028 general elections. Agyapong, with his reputation as a plain-speaking businessman and politician, is likely to frame his campaign around the need for fresh leadership and a return to what he calls the party’s “original values.”

What Lies Ahead

With roughly five months until delegates cast their votes on January 31, 2026, the race is expected to intensify quickly. Other candidates are expected to step forward, but Agyapong’s early submission has already set the tone.

Supporters say his combination of financial independence, strong personality, and ability to connect with ordinary party members will make him hard to ignore. Critics, however, question whether his blunt style and sometimes controversial remarks will help him unify the party at a time when it needs cohesion more than ever.

For now, Kennedy Agyapong has made the first move. By Wednesday evening, his nomination will be formally filed, and the contest to lead the NPP into its next chapter will officially begin.

Source: News Ghana