Deputy Director of Elections and IT of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rashid Tanko-Computer, has questioned the credibility of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) announcement that it will not field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central by-election.
Tanko-Computer insisted that until nominations for Tamale Central close on September 8, the NDC would treat the contest as open and competitive.
“Until nominations are filed – and we don’t see Kukurudu or the elephant there, then I can trust that they are not participating.
“But for now, hearing statements from their senior party leaders and even presidential aspirants talking about Tamale and the reasons why they should not be participating – I cannot trust them”
Rashid Tanko-Computer, NDC Deputy Director of Elections and IT
Tanko-Computer’s skepticism followed the NPP leadership’s declaration that the party would stay away from the by-election. The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, had explained that the decision was taken in respect of the tragic loss of Tamale Central’s sitting Member of Parliament, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, who died in the August 6 helicopter crash.
The NPP, for its part, insisted that its decision is rooted in respect for the late MP and a desire to preserve national unity during a period of mourning. The party explained that the resolution was made at its National Steering Committee meeting and aligned with provisions of its constitution.
According to the party, contesting the by-election at this time could deepen political divisions and detract from the moment of national grief.
Despite this official position, Tanko-Computer maintained his reservations. He argued strongly that under no other circumstance will the NDC lower its guard and assume the absence of competition. For him, the NPP was “capable of anything,” including last-minute surprises, and should be treated as such.
Signs of Good Governance
Beyond the NPP’s stance, Tanko-Computer emphasized that the number of aspirants in the NDC’s primary for the constituency reflects the confidence people have in the government of President John Dramani Mahama.
“The work of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has endured,” he said, maintaining that the strong interest shown in the Tamale Central seat was tied directly to the performance of the current NDC government.
“In fact, a lot of people are so happy with it across the country, and are giving us thumbs up for the eight months we’ve been in government. Performance is top-notch, and based on that, people want to be part of the governance structure of the NDC. So I am not surprised”
Rashid Tanko-Computer, NDC Deputy Director of Elections and IT
The Tamale Central by-election, scheduled for September 30, 2025, has attracted twelve aspirants who have picked nomination forms to contest the NDC’s primary.
The aspirants include former Tamale Mayor Abdul Hanan Abdul Rahaman Gundadoo, diplomats such as Princess Mariama Naama Salifu, academics including Prof. Razak Abubakari of Tamale Technical University and Prof. Alidu Seidu of the University of Ghana, and other professionals like lawyers and engineers.
Two aspirants, Lawyer Abdul Rauf Halid, the NDC’s National Vice Chairman, and Engineer Alhaji Ibrahim Seidu, had earlier withdrawn from the race, citing personal reasons and the crowded nature of the contest. Their exit reduced the field from fourteen to twelve, ensuring a tight primary process within the party.
The NDC’s internal election is being closely monitored, with the Electoral Commission confirming that just as nominations closed on August 24, filing will be completed by August 28. Vetting and campaigning are expected to follow before the party selects its candidate to contest the by-election.
The by-election carries national weight not only because it follows the passing of Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, who also served as Environment Minister, but also because it is expected to be a measure of public support for President Mahama’s government eight months into its tenure.
With twelve aspirants seeking the NDC ticket, the party is preparing for a rigorous internal process. The eventual candidate will inherit a constituency with strong NDC roots but also heightened political attention due to the NPP’s uncertain posture according to Tanko-Computer.
The Electoral Commission has fixed September 30 as the date for the by-election, in line with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates by-elections within sixty days of a parliamentary vacancy.
As the nomination period draws to a close, all eyes remain on both the NDC’s internal contest and the NPP’s next and final steps. For Tanko-Computer, only the close of nominations will determine the true posture of the NPP, but he is certain that the NDC will remain vigilant and treat the by-election as a serious national test.
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