The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo has denied an allegation of physically attacking voters at the University of Ghana during the just-ended limited voter registration exercise.
The Spokesperson to the National Democratic Congress Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Benjamin Madugu Avornyotse, in a statement, refuted claims that Mr Dumelo was the one that instigated a confrontation which ensued between him [Mr Dumelo] and some supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the University of Ghana, Legon.
According to Mr Avornyotse, the incident occurred on May 27, 2024, while Mr Dumelo was engaging peacefully with registrants at the centre, adding that Mr Dumelo was performing his regular duties, interacting with potential voters in a cordial manner when the confrontation began.
The statement further alleged that the confrontation was initiated by members of the ruling New Patriotic Party, who were concerned that Mr Dumelo’s presence and interactions with voters might adversely affect the campaign prospects of the incumbent Member of Parliament.
The situation led to what Mr Avornyotse describes as disrespectful behaviour towards Mr Dumelo, adding that despite several attempts by Mr Dumelo and his team to defuse the situation, the persistent harassment led Mr Dumelo to confront the disruptive individuals.
According to him, Mr Dumelo only cautioned the individuals to behave respectfully or face retaliatory actions from his supporters.
Incumbent MP Accused of Instigating Attacks
Furthermore, Benjamin Madugu Avornyotse accused the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Honorable Lydia Seyram Alhassan for orchestrating the attack against Mr Dumelo.
He asserted that Honorable Lydia Alhassan feeling threatened by Mr. Dumelo’s popularity and interactions at the registration center, instructed her supporters to harass him.
Mr Avornyotse cited past incidents, notably the violence during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, to underline a pattern of behaviour attributed to the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogo Constituency, Honorable Lydia Seyram Alhassan and her supporters.
He also drew parallels to similar disruptions during the 2020 voter registration exercise, where Mr Dumelo and his supporters allegedly faced threats and attacks from the incumbent Member of Parliament’s campaign team.
“We wish to send a strong message to Lydia Alhassan and the NPP members in Ayawaso West Wuogon that we will not allow such ugly events of violence and intimidation to continue going into the 2024 general election.
“We will be left with no other option but to defend ourselves and protect the sanctity of the will of the Ghanaian people”.
Benjamin Madugu Avornyotse , Spokesperson for John Dumelo
Highlighting Mr Dumelo’s reputation, Mr Avornyotse described him as a peace-loving citizen who respects all individuals, including his political opponents, refuting any suggestions that Mr. Dumelo would engage in activities that will undermine the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
The Spokesperson to the National Democratic Congress Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Benjamin Madugu Avornyotse also called on the members of opposition party and the general public to disregard the purported propaganda spread by the New Patriotic Party.
He reassured supporters of the opposition party in the constituency that Mr Dumelo’s campaign remains focused on achieving victory in the upcoming election, aiming to deliver effective leadership and address the needs of constituents, particularly the students in tertiary institutions within Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency.
Mr Avornyotse concluded by reaffirming the National Democratic Congress’s commitment to a peaceful and fair election, thereby urging all well-meaning eligible citizens to vote for the party’s flagbearer as well its parliamentary candidates in the December 7 polls to form the next government for the country.
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