A new academic survey conducted by Dr Evans Duah has revealed that Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (KOA) has expanded his lead among delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 2026. 

The findings, unveiled at a press conference held at the British Council in Accra, show that the Assin Central legislator is now the frontrunner in the race to become the party’s next flagbearer.

According to Dr Duah, the survey — conducted between 22 September and 5 October 2025 — marks a decisive shift in delegate preferences nationwide. 

Sampling 26,150 delegates across all 16 regions with a 76 per cent response rate, the study found that Mr Agyapong commands between 44.11 per cent (worst-case) and 53.80 per cent (best-case) support, reflecting a 9.69 percentage point gain since August. 

His dominance is strongest in the southern regions, particularly Central, Greater Accra, Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono, Volta and Western.

Former Vice President and 2024 NPP Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB), placed second, with his support ranging from 32.21 per cent in the best-case scenario to 39.51 per cent under the worst-case model. 

Despite retaining firm control of the northern corridor — including the North East, Northern, Savannah, Upper East and Upper West regions — the report suggests that Dr Bawumia’s campaign has “stagnated” in expanding its appeal nationally.

Other contenders, including Dr Bryan Acheampong (BA), Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum (YOA) and Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong (KAA), trailed behind with limited regional influence. 

Dr Duah attributed Mr Agyapong’s rise to intensified constituency-level engagement, greater visibility and perceived momentum. 

However, he cautioned that “the contest remains fluid” and that the final outcome will depend on how effectively campaigns consolidate their current gains in the crucial weeks before voting.