A coalition of youth groups in Tamale has accused the vetting committee responsible for shortlisting Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) aspirants in the Northern Region of manipulating the selection process.
The coalition claims that the committee, in collaboration with some top National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials in Tamale, deliberately excluded Hon. Abu Takoro and Hon. Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa from the final list submitted to the Presidency for consideration.
According to the youth groups, both Takoro and Pagazaa were among the top performers during the vetting process.
However, their names were allegedly removed in favor of the NDC Northern Regional Organizer, Hon. Baba Zee, and the Regional Communications Officer, Hon. Mohammed Sulemana Agitator.
The coalition has condemned what it describes as political maneuvering, arguing that it undermines fairness and transparency in the selection of MMDCEs.
They have called on the party’s national leadership to intervene and ensure that merit, rather than internal lobbying, determines the final appointments.
Neither the vetting committee nor the accused party officials have officially responded to the allegations. However, the controversy is likely to intensify discussions within the NDC in the Northern Region as the selection process nears its conclusion.