The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it will subject aspirants in the upcoming Tamale Central by-election primary to a rigorous vetting process in order to reduce the large number of contenders and ensure that only qualified candidates remain in the race.
According to the party, the move is aimed at safeguarding internal cohesion and preventing cracks within its ranks as it prepares to retain the seat left vacant by the tragic death of Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Murtala Muhammed.
Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, Rashid Tanko Computer, explained that while the number of aspirants may appear overwhelming, it rather reflects the confidence party members have in the NDC.
“We are not surprised by the number, we are not overwhelmed. It is the confidence they have in us,” he said.
He added that the process of purchasing nomination forms was only the beginning, stressing that the real test will come when the candidates are vetted in line with the party’s constitution.
Mr. Tanko further noted that the vetting process will be guided strictly by constitutional provisions to ensure fairness and credibility.
“We will vet them to see who qualifies. We will use the constitution to bring the numbers down,” he emphasized, adding that both internal party checks and assessments by aspirants themselves will play a role in determining the strongest candidates for the constituency.
He maintained that the party is focused on managing the process in a way that avoids unnecessary tension and divisions.
The Tamale Central by-election has attracted at least twelve aspirants who are expected to file their nominations.
The group comprises seasoned politicians, academics, and professionals, all of whom are seeking to step into the shoes of the late Dr. Muhammed.
Initially, fourteen individuals picked nomination forms, but two contenders—Lawyer Abdul Rauf Halid, the NDC’s National Vice Chairman, and Engineer Alhaji Ibrahim Seidu—have withdrawn, citing personal reasons and the high number of entrants.
The contest comes in the wake of a national tragedy after Dr. Murtala Muhammed, a sitting MP and one of the NDC’s strong voices in Parliament, lost his life in a military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofoum, Ashanti Region, on August 6.
The accident claimed eight lives in total, plunging the party and the nation into mourning. His sudden passing has necessitated the by-election, which is to be conducted in line with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
Meanwhile, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally announced that it will not present a candidate for the Tamale Central by-election.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP explained that the decision was taken after careful consideration at a National Steering Committee meeting held on August 11, 2025.
For the NDC, however, the immediate task is to manage its crowded primary process, avoid divisions, and present a candidate capable of carrying forward the legacy of Dr. Murtala Muhammed while consolidating the party’s dominance in the Northern Region.
