The National Democratic Congress has confirmed that Mohammed Baba Jamal will remain its parliamentary candidate for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election, despite ongoing concerns over alleged vote-buying during the party’s recent primaries.
The decision was announced by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, after a meeting of the Functional Executive Committee, which reviewed findings from a three-member investigative committee set up to probe the allegations.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Kwetey said the committee had recommended that, ideally, the primary should be annulled. However, he explained that procedural and time constraints made that option infeasible.
According to him, the party’s constitution does not provide for the annulment of an election. He also noted that the party is under pressure to submit a candidate to the Electoral Commission within a limited timeframe.
Mr Kwetey further indicated that annulling the process could trigger legal challenges from the declared winner, which the party may not have time to address before the nomination deadline.
“As things stand, we have no option but to present Baba Jamal, who actually won, according to the Electoral Commission declaration,” he stated.
The initial investigative committee had examined claims that aspirants offered inducements, including cash and television sets, to delegates during the primary election held on February 7.
Mr Kwetey acknowledged that what he described as inappropriate conduct was exhibited by virtually all candidates during the contest.
To address the issue going forward, the party has constituted a new seven-member committee tasked with proposing comprehensive reforms aimed at curbing vote-buying and strengthening internal electoral processes.
The NDC says the reforms are intended to prevent similar controversies in future primaries.
Source: myjoyonline.com
