Officials of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) say the party is convening today to conclude the selection of its parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East by-election. Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Divine Otoo Aghorhom, explained that the party has chosen internal consultations over open primaries in light of the passing of the sitting legislator.
Clarity
He said the National Executive Committee (NEC) had approved the formation of a committee to conclude the process after he briefed NEC on the constituency’s position last week. “I made a presentation about the party’s position at the constituency level to NEC, and NEC took a decision that we constitute a committee to look into it,” he said in an interview on Friday. “That committee is meeting on Monday, and in attendance will be our former General Secretary who will be of support.” “We are contesting, but we will not run primaries like the NDC,” he further clarified.
Potential candidates
He explained that two individuals—a man and a woman—had been considered as potential candidates, but constituency executives had already rallied behind one. “From the constituency’s perspective, they have agreed on a candidate, and that name has been submitted to the NEC,” he noted, adding that “the gentleman is the constituency’s preferred choice.”
He further stated that the committee’s responsibility was to formally endorse the candidate and initiate broader engagement to foster unity among party members ahead of the election. “By Monday, we will finalise who will represent the party, after which we will begin reaching out across the constituency to ensure everyone is brought on board,” he said.
The Electoral Commission (EC) announced on Friday that a parliamentary by-election will be conducted in the Ayawaso East constituency on 3 March, following the passing of the incumbent MP, Mahama Naser Toure. In a statement issued on 16 January, the EC explained that the seat had become vacant in accordance with Article 112(5) of the Constitution, necessitating a by-election.
The Commission indicated that nominations from interested candidates will be received between 9 and 11 February at the Ayawaso East Municipal Office in Accra. Nomination forms, available for download on the EC’s website, can be accessed from 16 January until 11 February. Completed forms must be submitted to the constituency’s returning officer within the stipulated period, the EC added.
Source: Jonathan Ofori
