The Electoral Commission has declared Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the Member of Parliament-elect for Tamale Central, following due processes under Constitutional Instrument (CI) 127.
The declaration follows the demise of the sitting MP, Hon. Murtala Mohammed, which rendered the seat vacant. In line with electoral regulations, the Commission announced the vacancy and opened nominations for interested aspirants.
The Returning Officer, Mr. Muniru Musa, explained that at the close of nominations, three candidates had filed to contest โ representing the NDC, the Peopleโs National Convention (PNC), and the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG). However, a few days later, the PNC and LPG candidates formally withdrew from the race, leaving only the NDC aspirant.
He further explained that the Electoral Commission subsequently reopened nominations for an additional 10 days to provide room for fresh applications. At the end of the extended period, no new nominations were filed, with Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama remaining the sole candidate.
Consequently, acting in line with CI 127, Mr. Musa formally declared Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.
According to CI 127, โWhere at the close of nominations and at the expiry of the period for withdrawal, only one candidate stands nominated, the Returning Officer shall declare that candidate duly elected as Member of Parliament without a contest.โ
Prof. Alidu, when sworn in, will increase the NDCโs tally in Ghanaโs 9th Parliament, giving the party an absolute majority. His addition brings the NDC to the twoโthirds threshold, strengthening its ability to approve certain constitutional amendments and influence key parliamentary decisions. With the party holding the largest number of seats in the 276โmember House, this development solidifies its dominance in Parliament.
How the NDC will use this number to enhance efficiency and make the necessary amendments, including the removal of the infamous ex gratia as promised in their manifesto, will be keenly followed by observers and the public alike.
By Julius Blay JABS
