Bakutoma Abubakar Iddi Wuni, a stalwart of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bawku Central constituency, has announced his resignation from the party.
He has decided to contest the 2024 parliamentary election as an independent candidate, citing growing disappointment with the party and government’s handling of concerns and recent actions towards traditional leadership.
At a press conference held on Sunday, July 28, in Bawku, Mr. Bakutoma articulated his reasons for leaving the NPP, a party he has supported and contributed to for years.
He expressed his deep frustration with the NPP government’s approach to chieftaincy issues, citing the warrant issued by the Bolgatanga High Court to arrest the Overlord of the Mamprugu traditional area, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga.
Despite the withdrawal of the arrest warrant, Mr. Bakutoma noted the lack of an official apology to the Nayiri and the Mamprugu people, describing the action as a significant disrespect to traditional authority. He emphasized that his decision to run as an independent candidate was driven by consultations with various community stakeholders, including opinion leaders, elders, and youth.
Mr. Bakutoma believes that this move will better serve the interests of Bawku Central constituents and allow him to unify the constituency beyond partisan lines. He highlighted his past contributions to the community, including the provision of irrigation machines to farmers, organizing health screening programs, and sponsoring skills training for women.
Mr. Bakutoma expressed his willingness to collaborate with any political party that aligns with the interests of Bawku Central, with his primary focus remaining the well-being and progress of the constituency. He will face stiff competition in the election, with the NPP parliamentary candidate, Paul Alale Agobire, and the incumbent MP, Mahama Ayariga of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also vying for the seat.
