As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its highly anticipated presidential primary on January 31, 2026, an unusual battle has emerged alongside the traditional contest of ideas, personalities, and political experience.

This time, the race is increasingly being framed as a confrontation between empirical political science and religious prophecy—data versus divine declaration.

At the centre of this debate are two prominent voices from very different worlds: Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global Info Analytics (GIA), and Prophet Bernard Elbernard Nelson-Eshun, founder and leader of Spiritlife Revival Ministries.

According Dankwah, several polls undertaken by his organization put Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as a frontrunner indicating that Dr Bawumia is the man to beat while Prophet Elbernard pointed out strongly that no any attempt will derail the victory of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong on Saturday as seen in the spiritual realm.

Dankwah: “Elections Are Decided By People, Not Prophecies”

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen programme, Mussa Dankwah firmly rejected the notion that prophecies can determine electoral outcomes.

According to him, elections—particularly internal party contests—are shaped by the collective will of voters, not spiritual pronouncements.

“I don’t think a prophecy can change an outcome. They say the voice of the people is the voice of God. So if most people are speaking in a certain way, why would God go in another direction?” Dankwah argued.

He explained that Global Info Analytics’ polling methods are grounded strictly in data and randomness, not political bias or selective sampling.

According to Dankwah, his outfit draws directly from the NPP’s official delegate register and conducts computer-assisted telephone interviews across all constituencies.

“We don’t choose who we call. It is random. We can reach about 500 delegates a day, and in a week, we speak to roughly 2,500 delegates nationwide,” he said.

Final Poll Points To Bawumia Lead

Global Info Analytics’ final survey, conducted between December 29, 2025, and January 23, 2026, projects former Vice President Dr. Bawumia as the clear frontrunner in the race.

The poll places Bawumia at 57 percent, ahead of Kennedy Agyapong and other contenders, reinforcing earlier trends observed throughout the campaign period.

Dankwah insists the consistency of these results reflects a settled preference among delegates rather than speculation or wishful thinking.

Gyampo Frames The Race As Science vs Prophecy

The broader implications of this debate were highlighted by Professor Ransford Gyampo, Professor of Political Science and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, during an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile.

Gyampo described the January 31 primary as “a contest between science and prophecy,” noting how statistical models and spiritual declarations are competing to influence perceptions within the party.

He drew parallels with the 2024 general elections, recalling how Mussa Dankwah was widely criticised and even ridiculed—dismissed by some as a “lotto forecaster”—only for his projections to eventually prove accurate.

“That experience strengthened confidence in scientific polling and data-driven political analysis,” Prof. Gyampo said, arguing that current polling trends deserve serious consideration rather than dismissal.

Prophet Elbernard’s Bold Declaration

On the other side of the divide is Prophet Bernard Elbernard Nelson-Eshun, whose recent pronouncements have stirred intense debate within NPP circles.

During a 31st-night crossover service on December 31, 2025—attended by Kennedy Agyapong and his wife—the prophet declared that the former Assin Central MP would emerge victorious in the NPP primaries.

The prophecy gained further attention when Prophet Elbernard appeared on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen on January 26, 2026, where he doubled down on his claims.

He stated that by 5:00 p.m. on election day, the outcome would favour Kennedy Agyapong, regardless of any alleged attempts at manipulation.

In a dramatic assertion, the prophet said he was placing his 27-year prophetic ministry on the line, insisting that the revelation was divinely inspired.

He further claimed that the same spiritual source behind his previous prophecies—including one he says foretold President John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 victory—had spoken again.

Mixed Reactions Within The NPP

The prophecy immediately sparked reactions from within the NPP.

Frederick Opare-Ansah, a leading strategist for the Bawumia campaign, dismissed the claims, citing what he described as a previous failed prophecy by the same prophet concerning a university SRC election.

Meanwhile, Charles Bissue, a known supporter of Kennedy Agyapong, acknowledged the prophet’s past consistency but stopped short of declaring the outcome settled, noting that internal party elections are ultimately decided by delegates.