Presidential Primaries 2026 : Suspended members to lose voting rights – NPP
The Presidential Election Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), chaired by former Bekwai MP Joseph Osei Owusu, has announced that all suspended party members will have their voting rights revoked until they complete the required procedures for reinstatement.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, November 6, Mr. Osei Owusu explained that members who forfeited their party membership and later rejoined would return as new entrants, without voting rights or the ability to reclaim previous positions.
“You lose membership when you contest against a party candidate or when you campaign for a candidate other than the party’s candidate. It is automatic. So, the party’s amnesty was specific that anybody who has a punishment hanging over their heads has been granted amnesty, except those who have forfeited their membership. If you have forfeited your membership, then apply,” he said.
“Generally, my view has been that you forfeit your membership today, and if you rejoin, you are a beginner. Until two years have elapsed, you do not qualify to compete for any position. If you had a voting right and you lost your membership, you may have rejoined but you don’t return to your position. You are starting afresh therefore you do not qualify,” he added.
Mr. Osei Owusu also revealed that the Committee plans to present the voter album to the candidates on November 13, 2025. He expressed confidence in the Committee’s readiness for the party’s presidential primaries, scheduled for January 2026.
Contesting for the NPP’s presidential slot ahead of the 2028 general elections are former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former Agriculture Minister and Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, and former Education Minister Osei Adutwum.
