Politics

Baba Ali selected to lead NPP in Ayawaso East by-election

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially appointed Baba Ali as its parliamentary candidate for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election, slated for March 3, 2026.

The announcement was confirmed by the Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Divine Agorhom, during an interview with Accra-based Citi FM. According to Mr. Agorhom, the party’s decision followed extensive consultations and a review of potential candidates who could effectively mobilize support in the limited time available for campaigning.

“We want somebody who has party experience, who will work within the party, someone known within the party, and someone with the humility and ability to knock doors, reach everyone, and work so that we can support him within this short period and get the constituency to accept him,” Mr. Agorhom explained.

The Regional Chairman added that internal discussions highlighted Baba Ali as the candidate who best met the party leadership’s expectations. “The gentleman we settled on appears to have ticked all these boxes, and for that, we think we are good to go. We have decided to settle on the constituency secretary in the person of Baba Ali,” he stated.

Baba Ali’s experience within the party was also cited as a key factor in his selection. Mr. Agorhom described him as a familiar and trusted figure who has served as constituency secretary twice. “The entire constituency leadership has agreed that we should go with him,” he said.

On the opposing side, six individuals have picked up nominations to contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary, scheduled for February 7. These include Constituency Chairman Mohammed Ramme; Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late MP; Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria Baba Jamal; Dr. Yakubu Azindow; Najib Mohammed Sani; and Salam Daru.

The Ayawaso East by-election was necessitated by the death of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure, on January 4, 2026, following a brief illness.

Party leaders are confident that his familiarity with the constituency and ability to connect directly with voters will strengthen the party’s position in the by-election.