Enraged supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress have forcefully entered the party’s headquarters at Adabraka to express their dissatisfaction with the disqualification of a potential parliamentary candidate in the Odododiodio Constituency.
The protesters, who are supporters of Michael Nii Yarboi, widely known as Don, went on to damage party assets and obstruct the roads leading to Accra and the Asylum Down.
Michael Nii Yarboi, recognized for his commendable and extensive service to his constituents, has a reputation for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the education within the constituency, as highlighted by his supporters.
“I am here to demonstrate for Don. He was part of them and what we heard was that he has been disqualified which we don’t understand. It is like these people only understand destroying things before they will do what they have to do. That is why we are destroying the things here. For now, we have held on. We are waiting for them.
“We want to see the nationals (National Executives) for them to come and tell us something because what is going on is not fair. We are waiting to see what happens. Until they come, we are here.”
Latifa Naa Adjele Adjei (Ardent Supporter)
The police acted promptly, bringing the situation under control. Although traffic flow has been restored, the supporters remained agitated, expressing their dissatisfaction and continuing to shout words of protest at the authorities; no Don, no votes!” However, demonstrators found themselves unable to breach the premises of the headquarters thereafter due to the barrier set up by the police force.
“I am a trader but I have to leave that purposefully for Don. They cannot cheat on the guy. It is like they are cheating him. He went for vetting… He has been doing so many things for us at Odododiodio. So we were hoping that he would become a Member of Parliament so that things would start going well only for us to hear that they have disqualified him which we don’t understand.”
Latifa Naa Adjele Adjei
As per reports, Michael Nii Yarboi has provided sponsorship to over 10 students, both at the tertiary and secondary levels of education.
Disqualification Of Michael Nii Yarboi
In relation to the Odododiodio violence on October 13, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) disqualified Nii Yarboi from participating in the parliamentary primary and has imposed surcharges on the other two candidates.
The decision to disqualify Michael Nii Yarboi from the Parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio Constituency was made by the Functional Executive Committee (FEC). The vetting process for parliamentary aspirants in the constituency was disrupted by violent incidents.
The FEC said in a statement that announced the disqualification of Mr. Yarboi that “the other two aspirants, Mr. Alfred Nii Kotei Ashie and Mr. Emmanuel Nii Okai Laryea whose supporters the Committee’s findings reveal that they caused the damage to properties at the Center of the vetting are hereby surcharged jointly for all the cost of the damage at the center.”
As per the decision of the Functional Executive Committee (FEC), Mr. Michael Nii Yarboi does not meet the qualifications outlined in the constitution of the NDC, rendering him ineligible to participate in the Parliamentary elections for the Odododiodio Constituency.
Additionally, the FEC issued apologies to Miss Akosua Octhere, the journalist who faced mistreatment on the vetting day. The committee assured her that the party would collaborate with her to cover all her medical expenses. Furthermore, the FEC has instructed its election directorate to promptly take measures to organize the parliamentary primaries for the Odododiodio Constituency.
The tumult unfolded at the regional party office in South La, where three individuals—Nii Okai Laryea, Kotey Ashie, and Michael Nii Yarboi Annan—were undergoing vetting, aspiring to succeed the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, who has opted not to seek re-election.
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