Thirteen individuals have so far picked up nomination forms to contest the Tamale Central parliamentary seat, which became vacant following the passing of the area’s MP, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash that killed eight people.
The aspirants include a mix of seasoned politicians, academics, professionals, and two women. Among them are a former mayor, university lecturers, a diplomat, and other notable figures.
The nomination exercise, which opened on Friday, August 22, is expected to close on Sunday, August 24. According to the party’s timetable, filing and submission of completed forms will take place on Thursday, August 28, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Regional executives of the party have called on all contestants and their supporters to run a clean and respectful campaign as the process unfolds.
The 13 aspirants who have picked forms so far include:
- Abdul Hanan Gundadoo – Former Mayor, Tamale Metropolitan Assembly
- Lawyer Abdul Rauf Halid – National Vice Chairman, NDC
- Dr. Seidu Mohammed Fiter – Lecturer, UDS
- Mariama Naama Salifu – Princess Yelzoli of Zabzugu & Diplomat
- Dr. Rahman A. Rashid
- Dr. Aliu Abdul Hamid – Civil Engineer
- Prof. Razak Abubakari – Senior Lecturer, Tamale Technical University
- Alhaji Alhassan Nbalba – Former Chairman, NDC-UK/Ireland Chapter
- Prof. Alidu Seidu – Senior Lecturer, Political Science Dept., University of Ghana
- Hajia Muliaka Suliasu
- Sadat Harun Alhassan – Lawyer
- Alhassan Osman Gomda – Entrepreneur
- Hajia Shamima Yakubu – Regional Treasurer
The by-election was triggered by the sudden death of Dr. Murtala Muhammed, who perished along with seven others when a military helicopter crashed during an official assignment in the Ashanti Region.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for September 30.
