- The Walewale MP steps down from the NPP primaries amid ongoing electoral disruptions
- The September 9 primary re-run was annulled due to disruptions
- Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama, who narrowly won the initial primary, is now set to be the NPP’s candidate
Walewale’s Member of Parliament, Lariba Abudu, has officially withdrawn from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries for her constituency.
This decision comes just ahead of the National Executive Committee’s meeting scheduled for September 11, 2024, which is set to address the ongoing electoral issues.
In her announcement, Abudu cited the recent turmoil surrounding the re-run of the parliamentary primary on September 9, 2024, where chaos during the sorting process led the Electoral Commission to invalidate the results.
She stated, “In light of the unresolved issues from the recent primary and in the interest of the party’s unity and the Walewale constituency, I have chosen to step down from the race. My commitment to the party remains steadfast, and I will support the campaign efforts for the upcoming elections.”
This move clears the path for Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama to be the NPP’s candidate in the December 7 elections. Mahama, who is a special advisor to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, had narrowly defeated Abudu in a tightly contested primary in January 2024.
The initial result was challenged by Abudu, leading to a series of legal and party disputes, including a recent High Court ruling declaring the December 2023 primary void.
With Abudu’s withdrawal, the NPP can now focus on preparing for the general elections, aiming to resolve internal conflicts and present a united front.
