A new comprehensive nationwide poll conducted by Academics and Professionals has revealed significant shifts in the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagbearer race, positioning Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as the dominant frontrunner for the January 2026 presidential primaries. The findings, presented by lead researcher Dr. Evans Duah at a press conference held at the British Council in Accra, indicate a decisive change in national-level delegate preferences ahead of the party’s presidential primaries.

The updated poll, which built on an August 2025 baseline, was conducted between September 22 and October 5, 2025. A team of 120 trained field officers sampled 26,150 delegates across all 16 administrative regions, achieving a robust 76% response rate.

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has not only retained but significantly expanded his lead among NPP delegates. Under the worst-case scenario model, he commands 44.11% of national delegate support, rising to 53.80% in the best-case projection. This performance surpasses the crucial majority threshold and marks a net gain of 9.69 percentage points since August. His dominance is particularly pronounced in the southern regions, including Central, Greater Accra, Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono, Volta, and Western. He now leads in 9 out of 16 regions under conservative assumptions and 11 out of 16 under optimistic assumptions, underscoring both his numerical strength and geographical reach. Key factors driving this surge include his intensified constituency-level campaign focus, heightened visibility, and a growing perception of momentum and grassroots mobilization.

In second place, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia maintains his position, but the poll indicates stagnation and limited national traction. His worst-case support stands at 39.51%, while his best-case share has declined to 32.21%. Dr. Bawumia continues to hold significant sway in the northern corridor, specifically North East, Northern, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West regions, where he dominates all five. However, his campaign faces challenges in expanding its appeal nationally beyond his traditional northern base.

Dr. Bryan Acheampong, once considered a rising contender, has seen his support dip, securing between 6.28% (worst case) and 8.27% (best case). His support remains largely concentrated in the Eastern Region, and despite some initial indications of an uptick in nationwide support, he has slipped to second place in his traditional stronghold according to these poll specifics.

Meanwhile, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong have recorded modest but steady gains. Notably, Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong’s campaign has gained traction across several regions, reflecting renewed grassroots mobilization and increasing confidence among delegates. Analysts suggest that strategic endorsements or alliances from these contenders could still influence the final outcome.

Despite these clear shifts in delegate preferences, Dr. Duah cautioned that the contest remains fluid. He emphasized that the ultimate outcome will hinge on how effectively each campaign converts its current momentum and support into actual votes within the short window remaining before the January 2026 primaries.