The race for the Tamale Central parliamentary slot has officially begun, as all 12 aspirants seeking to represent the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming by-election have been cleared by the party’s vetting committee.
The primaries are scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.
The vetting, chaired by NDC Deputy General Secretary Lawyer Barbara Serwaa Asamoah, was completed on Sunday, August 31, with the committee declaring all aspirants eligible to contest.
Expressing satisfaction with the calibre of contestants, Lawyer Asamoah noted the diversity of professionals vying for the seat, including professors, lawyers, doctors, diplomats, and for the first time, three women.
“We are determined to make the elections transparent. Whoever emerges as the candidate is already on the path to parliament,” she emphasized.
The by-election follows the tragic passing of the constituency’s MP, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, in a helicopter crash earlier this year.
Some aspirants have pledged to campaign with dignity in honour of the late MP. Prof. Seidu Alidu of the University of Ghana stressed that the campaign must remain issue-based and respectful.
Others raised concerns about fairness. Former Tamale MCE Abdul Hanan Gundadoo accused unnamed party executives of interfering in the process, alleging that “someone who has never been a member of the party” was being imposed on the constituency.
Yet optimism runs high among the candidates. Civil engineer Dr. Aliu Abdul Hamid boldly declared he would secure a landslide victory, while Hajia Mulaika Sualisu, one of the three female aspirants, called on women delegates to rally behind her bid for leadership.
Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John has urged unity, cautioning aspirants to ensure their supporters conduct peaceful campaigns free from violence.
The Tamale Central NDC primaries promise to be one of the most competitive in the region’s political history, with the outcome set to shape the party’s chances in the 2025 by-election.
