The National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries in the Tamale Central Constituency have officially entered a new phase with the closure of nominations. Twelve aspirants successfully submitted their forms, setting the stage for a competitive race to determine the party’s candidate for the upcoming by-election. Initially, fourteen individuals picked up nomination forms, but two subsequently withdrew, leaving a dozen contenders vying for the coveted position. The nomination process, held at the party’s regional secretariat, was marked by a distinct lack of the usual exuberant celebrations and fanfare that typically accompany such events. This subdued atmosphere is largely attributed to the sensitive circumstances surrounding the by-election, necessitated by the unfortunate passing of the incumbent Member of Parliament.
The prevailing sense of solemnity and respect for the departed MP has profoundly impacted the tone of the primaries. Prof. Abdul-Razak Abubakari, one of the aspirants, characterized the nomination process as smooth and commended the party’s organizational structures. He emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values throughout the contest and urged his fellow aspirants to accept the outcome, whatever it may be, as the will of God. Prof. Abubakari, a senior lecturer at Tamale Technical University, underscored that his decision to contest the primaries was motivated by a sincere desire to serve the constituency and not by personal ambition. He further appealed to his colleagues to honor the memory of the late Murtala Mohammed by conducting themselves with dignity and prioritizing the interests of the constituents above their own.
The field of aspirants represents a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, promising a dynamic and engaging contest. Among the contenders are seasoned politicians, academics, legal professionals, and community leaders, each bringing their unique perspectives and skillsets to the table. Dr. Seidu Fitter Mohammed, Hon. Abdul Hanan Gundadow, and Hajia Shamima Yakubu are among the prominent figures vying for the nomination. Their participation adds weight and significance to the race, reflecting the high stakes involved in representing the Tamale Central Constituency.
The remaining aspirants, including Osman Alhassan Gomda, Aliu Abdul-Hamid, Alhaji Alhassan Mbalba, Mariama Naama Salifu, Dr. Abdul-Rahaman Abdul-Rashid, Lawyer Sadat Haruna Alhassan, Hajia Mulaika Salisu, and Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu, further enrich the diversity of the candidate pool. Their involvement ensures a wide range of choices for the party delegates and underscores the vibrancy of democracy within the NDC. Each aspirant brings a unique set of qualifications and experiences, contributing to a robust and competitive primary process.
The upcoming campaign period is expected to be closely watched, with observers keen to assess the candidates’ platforms and their ability to connect with the electorate. The aspirants have all expressed their commitment to running clean, issue-based campaigns, focusing on the needs and aspirations of the constituents. The by-election represents a crucial opportunity for the NDC to retain control of the Tamale Central Constituency, and the outcome of the primaries will undoubtedly have significant implications for the party’s future prospects.
The twelve aspirants will now embark on a rigorous campaign trail, engaging with delegates and outlining their visions for the constituency. The primaries promise to be a closely fought contest, with each candidate seeking to demonstrate their commitment to serving the people of Tamale Central. The ultimate winner will carry the NDC flag into the by-election, facing a formidable challenge in maintaining the party’s hold on the seat. The outcome of the primaries and the subsequent by-election will be closely scrutinized as a barometer of the NDC’s strength and popularity in the region.
