As anticipation builds for the Tamale Central by-election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to subject all aspirants to a strict vetting process, aiming to trim down the crowded field and guarantee only the most qualified candidates make it onto the ballot.
The by-election, triggered by the tragic death of sitting Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Murtala Muhammed in a military helicopter crash on August 6, has drawn at least twelve hopefuls. Among them are seasoned politicians, academics, and professionals, all eager to step into the shoes of the respected MP whose loss has left both the party and the nation in mourning.
Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, Rashid Tanko Computer, explained that the large number of contenders is a testament to the faith party members have in the NDC. “We are not surprised by the number, we are not overwhelmed. It is the confidence they have in us,” he remarked. However, he was quick to point out that purchasing nomination forms is merely the first step—the true test will come during the vetting, which will be guided strictly by the party’s constitution.
“We will vet them to see who qualifies. We will use the constitution to bring the numbers down,” Mr. Tanko emphasized. He assured that the process will be fair and credible, combining both party checks and self-assessment by the aspirants to identify the strongest candidate for the constituency. The party’s focus, he said, is to manage the selection process in a way that prevents unnecessary tension and preserves party unity.
Initially, fourteen individuals expressed interest by picking nomination forms, but two—Lawyer Abdul Rauf Halid, the NDC’s National Vice Chairman, and Engineer Alhaji Ibrahim Seidu—have since withdrawn, citing personal reasons and the high number of aspirants.
The upcoming primary is not just a contest for a parliamentary seat; it comes at a time of deep loss, following an accident that claimed eight lives in total, including Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s. The by-election is being held in accordance with Article 112(5) of the Ghanaian Constitution.
Meanwhile, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has decided not to field a candidate for the by-election. In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said the decision followed careful deliberation at a National Steering Committee meeting on August 11, 2025.
For the NDC, the immediate priority is to run a smooth and unifying primary, ultimately presenting a candidate capable of honoring Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s legacy and maintaining the party’s stronghold in the Northern Region
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
