The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Tamale Central Constituency is set to be a competitive race, with twelve aspirants vying for the party’s nomination. The contest was triggered by the unfortunate demise of the incumbent MP and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, in a helicopter crash. Originally, a larger field of potential candidates had expressed interest, but two prominent figures, Abdul Rauf Halid, National Vice-Chairman of the NDC, and engineer Alhaji Ibrahim Seidu, subsequently withdrew their bids, citing personal reasons. Several other individuals who initially indicated their intention to contest also did not complete the nomination process. This winnowing of the field ultimately resulted in a final list of twelve contenders, reflecting a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
The twelve aspirants who successfully filed their nominations represent a blend of established political figures, academics, professionals, and community leaders. This eclectic mix underscores the significance of the Tamale Central seat and the party’s determination to select a strong candidate to succeed Dr. Mohammed. The aspirants include Abdul Hanan Abdul Rahaman Gundadoo, a former Metropolitan Chief Executive of Tamale, bringing significant local government experience to the table. Seidu Mohammed, a Principal Research Assistant at the University for Development Studies, represents the academic community. Mariama Naama Salifu, a diplomat, offers a perspective shaped by international affairs. Dr. Rahman Abdul Rashid, Dr. Aliu Abdul Hamid, a civil engineer, Prof. Razak Abubakari, a Senior Lecturer at Tamale Technical University, and Prof. Alidu Seidu, former Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, all contribute a strong academic and professional dimension to the contest.
Further enriching the field of candidates are Alhaji Alhassan Nbalba, former Chairman of the NDC-UK/Ireland Chapter, bringing experience from the diaspora; Hajia Muliaka Sualisu, a respected community figure; lawyer Sadat Harun Alhassan, offering legal expertise; entrepreneur Alhassan Osman Gomda, representing the business community; and Hajia Shamima Yakubu, the party’s Northern Regional Treasurer, adding a crucial financial management perspective. The diverse backgrounds of these candidates ensure a robust debate on issues affecting the constituency and the party’s vision for the future.
The NDC has emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent process. The nomination period, which ran from Friday, August 22nd to Sunday, August 24th, was described by party officials as smooth and peaceful. Ziblim Saaka, the Deputy Northern Regional Secretary of the NDC, confirmed the successful completion of the nomination phase, highlighting the peaceful and transparent nature of the exercise. He acknowledged the withdrawals from the race but stressed the overall efficiency and orderliness of the proceedings.
The next crucial stage in the selection process will be the vetting, balloting, and appeals procedures, all scheduled for Sunday, August 31st. This will be followed by the primary election itself, slated for Saturday, September 6th, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. In a pre-emptive call for unity and decorum, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, urged all aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with respect, fairness, and a focus on party unity. This appeal underscores the importance of maintaining a cohesive party front as they head into the by-election.
The by-election, scheduled by the Electoral Commission for September 30, 2025, is expected to be a significant political event in the region. The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced its decision not to contest the seat, effectively paving the way for an unopposed NDC victory. This decision by the NPP likely stems from a strategic calculation, acknowledging the NDC’s strong base of support in the Tamale Central Constituency and focusing their resources on other electoral battles. This uncontested by-election underscores the importance of the NDC primary in selecting a candidate who can effectively represent the constituency’s interests and maintain the party’s hold on the seat.
