As the parliamentary re-run in Ablekuma North unfolded under the watchful eye of political observers, Rashid Tanko-Computer, Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National NDC, has delivered a scathing assessment of the opposing NPP, accusing them of orchestrating efforts to derail the electoral process.
According to him, while surface-level operations have remained calm, underlying tensions suggest a premeditated strategy by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to mar the integrity of the parliamentary re-run.
He described the NPP’s alleged activities as “completely needless,” adding that the party’s conduct on the ground betrayed a lack of commitment to a fair process.
Tanko-Computer emphasized that the NPP parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, had suspiciously mobilized an enormous amount of money just hours before the polls. What is she going to use the money for? Your guess is as good as mine,” he noted.
Tanko-Computer implied that the intent behind the financial mobilization was not transparent and questioned why such a move had not drawn wider scrutiny.
He further alleged that the ongoing chaos at some polling stations is due to internal strife within the NPP.
“People who have defied their [NPP’s] national executive orders are being beaten here and there, because based on the intelligence that we picked, their own party people are beating them.
“We have spoken to our party people, and I can assure you that they are disciplined people. They know what is expected of them today because we are winning the seat.”
Rashid Tanko-Computer
Tanko-Computer also criticized the NPP for allegedly transforming the Ablekuma North election into a platform for showcasing its national leaders rather than focusing on the constituency’s concerns.
He alleged that top figures within the party had used the rerun as a campaign trial, backed by the distribution of large sums of money to support their parliamentary candidate.
He contrasted this with the NDC’s approach, claiming his party was relying solely on its recent performance in government to win voter support.
NDC Accuses NPP Of Vote Buying In Ablekuma North
Rashid Tanko-Computer further alleged that the NPP had engaged in vote-buying by distributing money directly to voters at polling centers.
He contrasted this with the NDC’s approach, stating that his party had spent the past week actively engaging with constituents through consistent, on-the-ground campaigning.
According to him, the NDC’s focus had been on outreach and persuasion, speaking directly with voters about the reasons to support their candidate, rather than relying on financial inducements.
“If you are facilitating somebody’s move, it is not vote buying. The constituency is cosmopolitan. People are not residents here, but they vote in the constituency. We managed to engage them. Some of them, we need to give them transportation to come to the constituency.”
Rashid Tanko-Computer
Tanko-Computer explained that the initially low voter turnout in the morning was due to transportation challenges faced by supporters, which the party later addressed by facilitating their movement to polling centers.
He contrasted this logistical support with what he described as blatant acts of vote buying by the NPP, accusing them of handing out cash at polling stations—actions he believes have contributed to tensions on the ground.
Despite these issues, he expressed strong confidence in the process and the eventual outcome, maintaining that the NDC would see its candidate declared the winner by the close of polls.
Tanko-Computer also suggested that the NPP’s disruptive actions were deliberate.
“Their intention is to disrupt the process. Their intention is to make sure that the election doesn’t go on well because they already had a press conference and said the election should not come on.”
Rashid Tanko-Computer
Despite the challenges faced during the polls, Tanko-Computer expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements in place, highlighting the proactive involvement of the Inspector General of Police and his engagement with party leadership to ensure order.
He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to adhering strictly to the security protocols set by authorities.
Offering further reassurance to the public, he emphasized the NDC’s peaceful approach to the electoral process and its determination to see the election through to a credible conclusion.
In his view, disruptions and provocations by the NPP were deliberate attempts to undermine the integrity of the process.
However, he remained confident that peace would prevail and that the NDC’s candidate would emerge victorious. “His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the government will not allow anybody to mar the beauty of any by-election.”
