NPP Flagbearer Race: Regional breakdown as 211,849 delegates go to polls

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) will go to the polls on Saturday, January 31, with 211,849 delegates expected to participate in the party’s highly anticipated presidential primaries, according to official figures from the party.

The delegates are drawn from the NPP’s 16 regions, the national headquarters, and the diaspora, following adjustments made for deceased members and forfeitures. Originally, the voters’ register stood at 213,617, but the removal of 2,827 deceased delegates and 653 forfeitures reduced the final voting strength.

Greater Accra and Ashanti Hold the Balance

Data from the NPP Election Centre shows that the Greater Accra Region has emerged as the single largest voting bloc, with 40,162 delegates—representing about 19 per cent of the total electorate.

It is closely followed by the Ashanti Region, the party’s traditional stronghold, which contributes 36,620 delegates, or roughly 17 per cent.

Together, Greater Accra and Ashanti account for more than one-third of all delegates, making them decisive battlegrounds for the presidential aspirants. This dominance helps explain the intense campaign focus on the two regions, with Greater Accra’s urban diversity and Ashanti’s entrenched party loyalty expected to play a pivotal role in the outcome.

Eastern, Central and Western Regions Also Key

The Eastern Region, often regarded as a bellwether within the NPP, contributes 21,598 delegates—about 10 per cent of the total—placing it third overall and firmly on the radar of all contenders.

The Central Region follows with 18,398 delegates (9 per cent), while the Western Region accounts for 14,122 delegates, representing 7 per cent. Combined, these three regions contribute more than 54,000 votes, underscoring their strategic importance in what is expected to be a closely contested primary.

Mid-Sized Voting Blocs

In the Volta enclave, where the NPP has been seeking to expand its support base, 12,574 delegates—around 6 per cent—are expected to vote. The Northern Region contributes a comparable 12,183 delegates, highlighting its growing influence in internal party elections.

The Bono, Bono East, and Upper East regions each contribute between 7,800 and 8,600 delegates, accounting for roughly 4 per cent apiece. Meanwhile, the Upper West and Western North regions field 6,875 and 6,429 delegates respectively, each representing about 3 per cent of the total vote.

Smaller Regions and Special Voting Centres

Among the smaller voting blocs, the Oti Region has 5,495 delegates, while the Ahafo Region contributes 4,338. The Savanna Region fields 4,148 delegates, and the North East Region has 3,651—each accounting for approximately 2 per cent of the national delegate pool.

In addition, the NPP National Headquarters will have 153 delegates, while the party’s Diaspora chapter contributes 824 delegates. Together, they make up less than one per cent of the total electorate but reflect the party’s expanding international presence.

Deaths and Forfeitures Reduce Numbers

The regional breakdown also highlights attrition within the delegates’ register. The Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of deceased delegates (562), followed by the Eastern Region (433) and Central Region (251).

The Central Region also reported a notably high number of forfeitures (320), with Eastern (245) and Northern (23) regions also affected. Despite these reductions, party officials say all logistical arrangements remain in place, with voting expected to proceed smoothly nationwide.

High-Stakes Contest

With more than 211,000 delegates voting across the country, Saturday’s primaries are expected to rank among the largest internal elections in the NPP’s history. While the regional breakdown highlights clear power centres, it also underscores how cumulative gains in smaller regions could prove decisive in a tightly fought contest.

As delegates prepare to cast their ballots, attention will focus sharply on turnout in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern and Central regions—areas that could ultimately determine who emerges as the NPP’s presidential flagbearer for the next general election cycle.

Source: Sekunde FM