EC to declare Professor Alidu Seidu MP for Tamale Central 

The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that it will declare Professor Alidu Seidu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central after no other candidates filed nominations to contest the by-election.

According to the EC, Professor Alidu Seidu will be declared MP for Tamale Central after no other candidates filed nominations before the extended deadline.

The Northern Regional Director of the EC, Lucas Yiryil, explained that the nomination window, which closed at 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 21, saw no political party or independent aspirant submit forms, leaving Professor Seidu as the sole candidate.

The Commission had earlier reopened nominations for ten days to provide a fresh opportunity for competition after two of the three initial contenders withdrew. However, the absence of new entrants rendered a traditional by-election unnecessary. Mr. Yiryil noted that the EC would issue a formal communiqué to announce the process of declaring Professor Seidu duly elected.

The by-election became necessary following the passing of the incumbent MP, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, on August 6, 2025. His death prompted the EC to declare the Tamale Central seat vacant on August 19, as mandated by the 1992 Constitution.

Observers describe the development as rare in Ghana’s electoral history, where by-elections are almost always contested. The outcome is seen as a reflection of the NDC’s strong influence in the Tamale Central constituency, which has historically served as one of the party’s strongholds.

The EC is expected to complete the formal declaration process in the coming days, officially confirming Professor Alidu Seidu as the new Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.

Two candidates, representing the PNC and LPG, have officially withdrawn from the Tamale Central by-election.

Their withdrawal reshapes the contest ahead of the September 30, 2025 polls.

The withdrawal of the PNC and LPG candidates from the Tamale Central by-election has significantly reduced the competition and tilted the balance in favour of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Their exit from the race is expected to change the dynamics in the constituency, which goes to the polls later this month.

Announcing his decision, the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) candidate explained: “After broad consultations and deep reflection, I have decided to withdraw my candidature from the Tamale Central by-election. This is in the best interest of our party and the democratic process.” His announcement leaves the party without a representative in the upcoming by-election.