The National Democratic Congress has given the green light to all 12 candidates seeking to represent the party in the Tamale Central Parliamentary primary this Saturday.
The vetting process, completed on August 31, cleared the way for what promises to be a competitive race at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium on September 6. Deputy General Secretary Barbara Serwaa Asamoah led the candidate screening exercise before balloting determined the order of names on the ballot paper.
Asamoah praised the caliber of contestants while highlighting a significant milestone in the constituency’s political history. Three women are among the aspirants, marking unprecedented female participation in the race for this particular seat.
The deputy general secretary called on all candidates to maintain dignified campaign conduct. She warned against activities that could fracture party unity ahead of the crucial by-election scheduled for September 30.
Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John echoed these sentiments, appealing directly to supporters across the constituency. He urged them to keep the peace during campaign activities and avoid any form of violence that could tarnish the democratic process.
The primary serves as the decisive step toward selecting the NDC’s candidate for the by-election. This contest will fill the parliamentary seat left vacant following the tragic death of Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed on August 6.
Dr. Mohammed, who held the seat for the NDC while simultaneously serving as Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, died in a military helicopter crash. His death created the need for this by-election in what has traditionally been a safe NDC constituency.
The opposition New Patriotic Party has announced it will not contest the September 30 by-election. This decision effectively makes Saturday’s NDC primary the determining factor for the constituency’s next parliamentary representative.
Candidate nominations opened on August 22 and closed just two days later on August 24. The brief nomination period generated significant interest, ultimately producing the field of 12 aspirants now set to face party delegates.
The Tamale Central seat represents an important constituency within the NDC’s northern stronghold. The party will be keen to maintain its grip on the area while using the primary to demonstrate internal democracy and inclusiveness.
Saturday’s exercise will test the organizational capacity of the NDC in the Northern Region. Party officials are working to ensure smooth conduct of the primary while managing expectations among the various candidate camps.
The winner of the primary will face minimal opposition in the by-election, given the NPP’s decision to sit out the contest. This reality has likely contributed to the large number of aspirants seeking the NDC nomination.
