The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially declared Professor Alidu Mahama Seidu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, following his emergence as the sole candidate in the by-election.
Returning Officer Muniru Musah cited Constitutional Instrument (CI) 127, which allows the EC to declare an unopposed candidate elected. “As it stands, only Prof. Alidu Seidu Mahama stands nominated, and according to CI 127, he shall be declared elected,” he stated.
The by-election was necessitated by the tragic death of the incumbent MP, Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash nearly two months ago. Initially, three candidates from the NDC, People’s National Convention (PNC), and Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) filed to contest. However, the PNC and LPG candidates later withdrew, leaving Prof. Seidu unopposed.
Even after the EC reopened nominations for 10 days, no new contenders emerged, clearing the path for Prof. Seidu’s declaration without a vote being cast.
Reacting to the development, NDC Deputy Regional Secretary Ziblim Saaka thanked constituents for their support and pledged inclusive, development-focused representation. Prof. Seidu is expected to be sworn into Parliament in the coming days to formally assume his duties.
Source: Adomonline
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