Politics

Counting underway in Tamale Central NDC primaries

EC ballot printing for Akwatia by-election

Counting of ballots is underway in the Tamale Central constituency following the close of polls in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries. Voting, which began at 9 a.m. at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, ended at 2 p.m. after a highly competitive contest involving 12 aspirants.

The Tamale Central NDC primaries attracted 1,555 delegates, who were expected to cast their ballots to choose a candidate for the upcoming by-election. Party officials and observers say the contest has generated intense interest both within and outside the party, given the calibre of candidates and the constituency’s strategic importance.

The race featured a diverse pool of contenders — including professors, PhD holders, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and career politicians. Of particular note was the participation of three female aspirants: Hajia Mariama Naama Salifu, a diplomat; Hajia Mulaika Salisu, a businesswoman; and Hajia Shamima Yakubu, the NDC’s Northern Regional Treasurer. Their involvement marks the first time since 2014 that women have joined the contest in Tamale Central.

Other candidates included Dr. Abdul-Rahaman Abdul-Rashid, a medical doctor; Aliu Abdul-Hamid, a civil engineer; Prof. Razak Abubakari, Senior Lecturer at Tamale Technical University; and Alhaji Alhassan Nbalba, a former Chairman of the NDC-UK/Ireland Chapter. Also in the race were Sadat Haruna Alhassan, a lawyer; Alhassan Osman Gomda, an entrepreneur; Dr. Seidu Mohammed Fitter, a lecturer at the University for Development Studies; Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu, a former Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana; and Abdul Hanan Gundadow, a lawyer and former Chief Executive of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly.

The primaries were characterised by vigorous campaigning, with candidates promising to consolidate the NDC’s dominance in the constituency.

The contest was triggered by the tragic passing of the constituency’s MP, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region. His death created a vacancy that has set the stage for what many describe as one of the most competitive NDC primaries in the Northern Region in recent years.

Results from the Tamale Central NDC primaries are expected later tonight.