In a rare display of political maturity following one of the most fiercely contested internal elections in the history of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), all four unsuccessful candidates in the party’s 2026 presidential primary have formally conceded defeat, pledging their unreserved support to flagbearer-elect, former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The concessions, delivered publicly shortly after the Electoral Commission (EC) officially declared the results, were widely hailed by party elders and observers as a masterclass in political sportsmanship—especially given the intensity of the campaign and the deep emotions stirred among delegates and grassroots supporters.
One after the other, the defeated aspirants mounted the podium not to contest the verdict, but to affirm it, underscoring a collective resolve to put the internal contest behind them and rally behind a single objective: returning the NPP to power in the 2028 general elections.
Ken Agyapong
The most closely watched concession came from former Assin Central Member of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, whose high-octane, populist campaign electrified the party’s base and positioned him as the main challenger to Dr Bawumia.
Mr Agyapong, known for his combative rhetoric and uncompromising style, struck a markedly conciliatory tone as he addressed party supporters, formally accepting the outcome and calling for calm, unity and respect.
“I stand before you to pledge my support and also to accept the results declared by the EC,” he said.
“The delegates have spoken, and I want to plead with my supporters that they should stay calm and respect the results and help all of us to work together to win the 2028 elections.”
In a message clearly directed at his passionate grassroots base, Mr Agyapong reminded them that elections are, by nature, contests with winners and losers—and that democratic maturity lies in accepting both outcomes with grace.
“In an election, you can win and you can lose. So if you lose, you need to accept it in good faith,” he stressed.
He went further to articulate what he believes should underpin party unity going forward: mutual respect. According to him, cohesion cannot be built on suppression of differing opinions but on tolerance and inclusion.
“So let’s all of us throw our support to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer,” he said. “NPP, we need unity in the party, but unity comes with respect. We have to respect each other’s views.”
His concession, given the sharp exchanges that characterised parts of the campaign, was received with loud applause and relief within party circles.
Dr Bryan Acheampong
Former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, took an even earlier step, conceding defeat and congratulating Dr Bawumia before the Electoral Commission had completed its official declaration.
In a phone call that has since become symbolic of the post-primary reconciliation, Dr Acheampong acknowledged the scale of his defeat with candour and humour.
“Well, I’m not feeling the same way as you,” he told Dr Bawumia. “I’m just looking at my dashboard, and it’s telling me that you have dealt me a big blow.”
He followed up immediately with congratulations, acknowledging the victor’s organisational strength and electoral reach.
“I want to take the opportunity to congratulate you and your team for such wonderful results. That’s politics,” he said.
Dr Acheampong stressed that personal disappointment would not stand in the way of the party’s broader interest, assuring the flagbearer-elect of his readiness to support the collective agenda without hesitation.
“It is expected that myself and my team will come on board without hesitation to support the bigger agenda,” he noted, adding pointedly, “But for now, it’s your day, so enjoy it.”
His early concession was interpreted by party insiders as a deliberate signal to his supporters to avoid any post-election agitation and to respect the inevitable outcome.
Dr Adutwum
Former Education Minister and Bosomtwe MP, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, framed his concession in deeply personal and optimistic terms, describing the primary as a “fierce battle” that had nonetheless produced a clear leader for the party.
He revealed that he had personally called Dr Bawumia—whom he affectionately referred to as “my brother Muhammad”—to congratulate him even before taking the stage at party headquarters.
“I called my brother, my brother Muhammad, and I congratulated him for the sweet victory that he has secured,” Dr Adutwum said. “I believe that the elephant will come back on track. We will be out of the wolves. We are going to secure victory in 2028.”
He emphasised that the contest, however intense, was only a means to an end, and that the real work of rebuilding and reclaiming power lay ahead.
According to him, the party’s future depends on its ability to heal quickly and rally behind the new leadership.
“The better days of our party are ahead of us and not behind us,” he said, provided that unity prevails.
Dr Adutwum also used the moment to express gratitude—to his family, the people of Bosomtwe, and party supporters across the country who welcomed him during the campaign.
“I want to say I accept the fact that I did not win,” he stated plainly. “But I know somebody has won. I wholeheartedly support the winner so that this party will secure victory come December 7, 2028, and move into government in 2029.”
Kwabena Agyepong
Veteran party stalwart and former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, also conceded defeat even before the official declaration, as provisional results made Dr Bawumia’s victory unmistakable.
Addressing supporters and members of his campaign team, Mr Agyepong said the outcome was clear and that it was time to close the chapter on internal competition.
“We just called the presumptive winner, and we are waiting the official statement from the Electoral Commission, but it’s quite clear that he’s going to have victory,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to his campaign staff for their dedication and hard work, noting that politics inevitably produces both winners and losers.
Reflecting on the verdict, Mr Agyepong said he was at peace with the decision taken by party delegates.
“I’m comfortable that at the end of the day, the majority of the party have made a decision,” he said, describing himself as “an eternal optimist.”
He urged party members to shift focus from internal rivalry to national renewal, warning that the road to 2028 would not be easy.
“We’ve got about two and a half years to work our way,” he said. “All of us must rally together, put this election behind us and look forward towards 2028.”
He praised the conduct of the primary as a credit to the NPP and Ghana’s democratic credentials, commending the Electoral Commission and security agencies for ensuring a smooth process.
“So once again, my congratulations—and the congratulations of my campaign team—to Doctor for a decisive victory,” he concluded. “He can be sure of my fullest support.”
A united front after a divisive battle
The collective concessions by the four defeated aspirants marked a decisive turning point for the NPP after months of internal rivalry, sharp rhetoric and high-stakes political manoeuvring.
By closing ranks so publicly and emphatically, the former contenders sent a clear message to their supporters and the wider electorate: that despite internal differences, the party is determined to present a united front as it rebuilds in opposition and prepares for the 2028 general elections.
