Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has dismissed suggestions that the party’s withdrawal from the Tamale Central by-election was a calculated move to get the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to pull out of the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
The NPP recently announced it would not contest the Tamale Central seat, left vacant following the passing of NDC MP Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. The decision comes just weeks before the Electoral Commission’s September 2 by-election in Akwatia, necessitated by the death of NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, August 12, Haruna Mohammed said the decision was taken purely out of national interest and respect for the late Dr. Murtala, not political bargaining.
“They have already chosen their candidate. How do they change their mind? Once they have chosen a candidate, there is no way we can bait them,” he stated, adding that the NPP remains committed to contesting in Akwatia.
