Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has defended the party’s decision to hold its presidential primaries two years ahead of the 2028 elections.

He stated that the early timing allows the party ample time to prepare, strategise, and unify behind a chosen candidate well before the general elections.

“It is going to market the candidate enough, particularly in terms of building contacts with the international community, the business community, and stakeholders across the globe,” he noted during an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, 17th June.

His comments come in response to critics' arguments that an early primary could lead to internal divisions or limit the party’s ability to respond to shifting political dynamics before the 2028 elections.

The General Secretary, Justin Koduah, announced during a press engagement yesterday that the party has officially announced Saturday, 31st January 2026, as the date for its presidential primaries.

"And the National Council today also made the decision that the date for our presidential primaries is set for January 31, 2026. That will be the date that we shall hold our presidential primaries," the party announced.

The move comes amid the party's ongoing constitutional review process aimed at improving electoral strategy and internal cohesion.

Haruna also believes this will reposition the party as a credible and prepared alternative ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“We will have sufficient time to communicate our policies effectively and hold the government accountable.”

He further highlighted the NPP’s current minority status in Parliament, with only 88 seats, as a reason to intensify external engagement.

“We need someone who can rise above internal distractions and rally support nationally and beyond to keep the government in check,” he added.

Meanwhile, party officials have also noted that nomination guidelines, timelines for campaign activities, and the code of conduct for aspirants will be released in the coming weeks.

The NEC is promising party members a transparent and credible process that upholds the democratic values of the NPP.