The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has officially declared Professor Seidu Alidu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the Member of Parliament for the Tamale Central Constituency. This unprecedented victory marks a unique moment in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, as Professor Alidu becomes the first parliamentary candidate to secure a seat without contesting in an election. The unusual circumstances arose following the tragic demise of the incumbent MP, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in a helicopter crash, necessitating a by-election. Initially, three aspirants, including Professor Alidu, filed their nominations to contest the vacant seat. However, the two other contenders subsequently withdrew their candidacies, leaving Professor Alidu as the sole nominee.
Adhering to due process and ensuring fairness, the EC reopened the nomination period for an additional ten days, as stipulated by the Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 127. This extension aimed to provide ample opportunity for other potential candidates to step forward and contest the seat. However, despite the extended timeframe, which concluded on Sunday, September 21, 2025, no new nominations were submitted. This solidified Professor Alidu’s position as the only remaining candidate.
The Returning Officer for the Tamale Central Constituency, Mr. Muniru Musa, presided over the official declaration. He clarified the legal framework governing such a scenario, explaining that according to C.I. 127, if only one candidate remains nominated at the close of the extended nomination period, that candidate is automatically declared elected. This provision eliminates the need for an election process when a single candidate is unopposed. Mr. Musa formally declared Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama as the MP-elect for the Tamale Central Constituency. The declaration ceremony took place in Tamale on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, marking the official conclusion of the by-election process.
Professor Alidu’s uncontested victory reflects a confluence of factors. The tragic circumstances surrounding the vacancy likely contributed to the reluctance of other potential candidates to enter the race. The NDC’s strong presence in the Tamale Central Constituency might have also discouraged rival parties from fielding candidates, perceiving the likelihood of success to be low. Furthermore, the short timeframe between the incumbent MP’s death and the by-election might have limited the opportunity for other parties to identify and prepare suitable candidates. Regardless of the specific motivations, the outcome underscores the importance of clear electoral laws and procedures in navigating unusual electoral situations.
The by-election process and its outcome have generated significant interest and discussion within Ghana’s political landscape. While the lack of a contest might be seen as unusual, the EC’s adherence to the established legal framework ensured a smooth and transparent process. Professor Alidu’s ascension to Parliament without an election raises questions about the dynamics of representation and the role of competition in democratic processes. However, the legal provisions outlined in C.I. 127 provide a clear mechanism for resolving such situations, preventing unnecessary expenditure and logistical challenges associated with holding an election with a single candidate.
This unique situation in the Tamale Central Constituency underscores the adaptability and resilience of Ghana’s electoral system. The EC’s adherence to legal procedures, coupled with its commitment to transparency, ensured a fair and efficient resolution to the by-election. As Professor Alidu prepares to assume his parliamentary duties, he carries the responsibility of representing the constituents of Tamale Central and contributing to the national legislative agenda. His uncontested victory stands as a testament to the evolving nature of political landscapes and the importance of established legal frameworks in navigating unforeseen circumstances.
