Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Walewale constituency are urgently calling on the party’s Parliamentary Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to intervene in the ongoing election dispute in court. The dispute, which stems from the recent internal elections, has divided the party and threatens to impact the general elections.
The internal elections, held under tight security and the presence of regional and constituency executives, saw Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru, a 35-year-old PhD holder and Vice Presidential special advisor, defeat the incumbent Member of Parliament, Hajia Lariba Zuweratu, by a margin of less than 10 votes. However, Hajia Lariba rejected the results, alleging electoral irregularities and malpractice, and filed an ex-parte motion at the Tamale High Court.
The party’s initial attempt to dismiss the case was rejected by the judge, Mr. Richard Kugyapaw, who ordered all parties to open their defense. Despite efforts to resolve the matter internally, the case has proceeded in court, with the party seeking to dismiss it and the MP seeking a complete audit of the ballots and party album used in the elections.
The matter has been adjourned several times, with the latest adjournment due to the absence of the judge. Supporters are growing increasingly frustrated and worried about the impact on the party’s chances in the general elections.
“We have trust in you, Dr. Bawumia, but are you trying to say that you don’t know the implication of what is happening in Walewale, in your backyard?” a supporter asked, highlighting the need for the party’s leadership to intervene and resolve the dispute. “If this issue is not resolved promptly, it could hurt your presidential aspirations and the party’s chances in the general elections,” another supporter warned.
The supporters are urging Dr. Bawumia to use his influence to resolve the dispute and unite the party in the constituency. With the general elections approaching, the NPP cannot afford to have its attention divided by internal conflicts. The party’s leadership must act swiftly to address the issue and ensure that the NPP presents a united front in the upcoming elections.
