The Tamale Central parliamentary seat is up for grabs following the untimely demise of incumbent MP, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. The ensuing by-election has generated significant interest, with thirteen aspirants stepping forward to contest the seat, a testament to its political significance. The nomination process, spanning from August 22nd to 24th, 2025, has attracted a diverse pool of candidates, each bringing a unique blend of experience and expertise to the table. This includes professionals from various fields, such as a former mayor, university lecturers, a diplomat, a civil engineer, and seasoned political figures. Notably, two women are also vying for the seat, adding to the diversity of the candidate pool. The upcoming contest is poised to be a dynamic and engaging political event.
The aspirants represent a cross-section of backgrounds and experiences, promising a robust competition of ideas and visions for the constituency. Abdul Hanan Gundadoo, the former Mayor of Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, brings his local governance experience to the forefront. Lawyer Abdul Rauf Halid, National Vice Chairman of the NDC, contributes his deep understanding of the party’s structure and ideology. The academic community is represented by several prominent figures: Dr. Seidu Mohammed Fiter, a lecturer at UDS; Prof. Razak Abubakari, a senior lecturer at Tamale Technical University; and Prof. Alidu Seidu, a senior lecturer in Political Science at the University of Ghana. Mariama Naama Salifu, Princess Yelzoli of Zabzugu and diplomat, adds an international dimension to the candidate pool. Dr. Rahman A. Rashid and civil engineer Dr. Aliu Abdul Hamid contribute their expertise in their respective fields.
The list continues with seasoned political figures such as Alhaji Alhassan Nbalba, former Chairman of the NDC-UK/Ireland Chapter, demonstrating the international reach of the party. Adding to the legal expertise is lawyer Haarun Alhassan. Hajia Muliaka Suliasu and entrepreneur Alhassan Osman Gomda bring their diverse perspectives to the competition, while Hajia Shamima Yakubu, Regional Treasurer, represents financial acumen within the party. The range of experiences and professional backgrounds promises a dynamic and competitive race, offering voters a wide array of choices when they head to the polls.
This by-election carries significant weight for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as Tamale Central is considered a stronghold for the party. The loss of Dr. Muhammed, a respected figure within the party and the community, has undoubtedly left a void that these aspiring candidates are vying to fill. The party has set Thursday, August 28th as the deadline for the submission of completed nomination forms, allowing candidates a short window to finalize their paperwork and prepare for the upcoming primaries. With the primaries fast approaching, the political atmosphere in Tamale Central is expected to become increasingly charged.
The regional party executives have emphasized the importance of a clean and issues-based campaign, urging all contenders and their supporters to uphold the principles of fairness and respect throughout the process. This call for decorum underscores the party’s desire to ensure a transparent and democratic selection process, allowing the best candidate to emerge as the flagbearer for the by-election. The party recognizes that the by-election will be a crucial test of its strength and popularity in the region, and a smooth and well-managed primary process is crucial to maintaining party unity and focus.
The August 6th helicopter tragedy, which claimed the lives of Dr. Muhammed and seven others, including military personnel, casts a long shadow over this by-election. The incident, which occurred during an official mission in the Ashanti Region, serves as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices associated with public service. The by-election, therefore, takes on added significance as a tribute to Dr. Muhammed’s legacy and a testament to the resilience of the community in the face of loss. The contest will ultimately determine who will carry the mantle of leadership forward in Tamale Central, and the chosen candidate will have big shoes to fill in succeeding the late MP.
