The Electoral Commission (EC) has reopened nominations for the Tamale Central by-election following the abrupt withdrawal of two candidates, which left the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Prof. Seidu Alidu as the only contender.
In a statement released on Friday, September 12, the EC announced that nominations will run from September 12 to 21, 2025. This, the Commission explained, is in line with Article 50(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires a fresh ten-day window when only one candidate remains after the close of nominations.
Nomination forms are available for download on the EC’s official website and must be submitted at the Tamale Metropolitan Office during working hours. Each prospective candidate must secure endorsements from 20 registered voters, submit two passport photographs, and pay a filing fee of GH¢10,000—or GH¢7,500 for women and persons with disabilities.
The withdrawals were from the People’s National Convention (PNC) and the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), both of whom officially pulled out on September 10. Their exits further reduced the field, already narrowed after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) declared it would not contest in solidarity with the NDC. The decision by the NPP followed the tragic death of incumbent MP Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed in a helicopter crash last month.
The EC’s reopening of nominations now presents an opportunity for new entrants to step forward, ensuring the by-election maintains a competitive process rather than a walkover.
