The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced its decision to re-run the parliamentary primary election in the Walewale constituency following a directive from the Tamale High Court.

The decision, detailed in a press release signed by Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the NPP, outlined the timeline and procedures for the upcoming election. This move comes in the wake of legal disputes that arose after the initial primary election, leading to the court’s involvement.

“The following is the newly approved timetable for the primary re-run: Nominations will open on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Closing Date for Nominations: Thursday, September 5, 2024 Election Day: September 8, 2024, a Sunday.”
Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the NPP

According to the press release, any aspiring parliamentary candidate (APC) who wishes to contest must obtain a nomination form. This form is available for a non-refundable application fee of GHC 3,000.00, which is to be paid via banker’s draft to the NPP National Headquarters in Accra.

Furthermore, the press release noted that to successfully file their nomination, each APC is required to pay a non-refundable filing fee of thirty-five thousand Ghana cedis (GHC 35,000.00) also in banker’s draft to the NPP National Headquarters.

In a move to promote inclusivity, the NPP has announced a 50% rebate on the filing fees for women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). This means that these groups are required to pay a non-refundable filing fee of seventeen thousand and five hundred Ghana cedis (GHC 17,500.00). The party defined “youth” as individuals between the ages of 18 and 40.

The NPP also clarified that those who previously participated in the general parliamentary primary election and paid the filing fees are exempted from paying the filing fees again in this re-run. The party emphasized that no one will be denied access to purchase nomination forms.

Formation of Elections Committee

The NPP has established an Elections Committee (EC) to oversee the re-run of the Walewale constituency parliamentary primary. The committee will be chaired by Alhaji Haruna Mohammed, with Alhaji Nurudeen Fuseini serving as vice chairman.

Other members include Hajia Safia Mohammed, Evans Nimako (who will serve as the secretary), the Chairperson of the Constituency Council of Elders, and all constituency executives who will serve as ex-officio members.

“The party has also approved detailed rules and regulations to govern the conduct of the parliamentary primary election, which will be made available to stakeholders. Nomination forms will be available for purchase at the constituency party office.”
Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the NPP

This announcement comes on the heels of a significant legal development in the Walewale constituency. On Monday, September 2, 2024, the Tamale High Court, presided over by Justice Richard Kogyapwah, ruled in favor of a rerun of the NPP primaries for the Walewale constituency. The full judgment is expected to be released on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

The current situation stems from a dispute between incumbent Member of Parliament for the Walewale constituency, Lariba Zuweira Abudu, and Dr Mahama Tia Kabiru.

Abudu had filed an injunction against Dr. Kabiru, seeking to restrain him from holding himself as the elected parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party for the Walewale constituency in the North East Region.

Initially, the NPP attempted to resolve the issue out of court, hoping to maintain peace and unity within the party ahead of the 2024 general elections. However, the parties involved failed to reach an agreement, leading to the court’s intervention.

The New Patriotic Party’s announcement of timelines for the Walewale constituency primary rerun marks a significant step forward in the electoral process for this crucial parliamentary seat.

As the party moves forward with these plans, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the overall political landscape of the North East Region and potentially influence the outcome of the upcoming general elections.