Bryan Acheampong Dismisses Polls, Insists He’s “Way Ahead” in NPP Presidential Primary Race

Accra Aspiring New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Bryan Acheampong has dismissed recent public opinion polls, insisting that internal data from his campaign shows he is significantly ahead of his rivals ahead of the party’s January 31, 2026 presidential primary.

Acheampong’s assertion sharply contradicts widely circulated survey results that place him well behind other leading contenders. However, speaking in a recent televised interview, the former Member of Parliament for Abetifi expressed strong confidence in his campaign’s internal profiling system, which he says provides a far more accurate picture of delegate sentiment than external polling.

According to Acheampong, his campaign team has profiled nearly all eligible NPP delegates nationwide. He stated that out of an estimated 209,000 delegates, about 190,000 have already been carefully assessed through direct engagement. Based on this data, Acheampong claims he commands roughly half of the total committed support within the party’s electoral college.

“I’m way, way, way ahead,” he said, adding that his confidence is rooted in what he described as a comprehensive and data-driven grassroots strategy rather than speculation or media narratives.

Disputing Public Poll Findings

Acheampong’s comments directly challenge findings from several independent polling organisations that have consistently ranked former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the clear frontrunner in the race. Some polls have also shown former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong in second place, with Acheampong trailing far behind.

The presidential hopeful questioned the methodology behind these surveys, arguing that their sample sizes were too small to reliably reflect the views of the party’s entire delegate base. He contended that polling a few thousand respondents and projecting the results onto a pool of over 200,000 delegates produces distorted conclusions.

Acheampong further criticised what he described as inconsistencies in polling trends released over time, suggesting that shifting figures undermine their credibility. He also questioned claims of large numbers of undecided delegates, arguing that most party delegates are already aligned with specific candidates.

Claims of Fear and Delegate Intimidation

The Abetifi legislator also suggested that fear and social pressure may be influencing how delegates respond to public polls. According to him, some delegates may be reluctant to openly disclose their preferred candidate due to intimidation or perceived political consequences.

He argued that such dynamics could explain why external surveys may not accurately capture true voting intentions, particularly in a highly competitive internal party contest. Acheampong, however, did not provide specific details regarding the source or nature of the alleged intimidation.

Political observers note that tensions within the NPP have intensified as various factions position themselves for leadership ahead of the next general election cycle. The contest has triggered vigorous grassroots mobilisation, strategic endorsements and heightened internal competition.

January 31 Primary Looms

The NPP presidential primary, scheduled for January 31, 2026, will determine the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections. The race features several high-profile contenders, each pursuing nationwide campaigns to secure delegate support.

While public polls currently suggest a clear hierarchy among the candidates, analysts caution that internal party elections often produce unexpected outcomes, particularly when delegate dynamics differ from broader public sentiment.

Acheampong has remained resolute in his belief that the eventual outcome will validate his claims. He has repeatedly stated that the January 31 vote will not alter what he views as an inevitable victory, stressing that his campaign is focused on quiet organisation rather than public perception battles.

Strategic Messaging and Party Implications

Acheampong’s rejection of public polls appears to form part of a broader strategy aimed at energising his support base while challenging prevailing narratives surrounding the race. By emphasising internal data over external surveys, his campaign is attempting to shift attention to delegate engagement and organisational strength.

As the primary approaches, the growing gap between public polling results and internal campaign claims is expected to remain a central point of debate within the NPP. How this divergence plays out on voting day will not only shape the party’s leadership going into 2028 but may also influence future approaches to internal polling and campaign strategy.

With the countdown to January 31 underway, all eyes remain on the NPP as the contest intensifies and candidates race to convert confidence into votes.