The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has maintained Mohammed Baba Jamal as its parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East by-election, despite allegations of vote buying that emerged during the party’s parliamentary primary held on Saturday, February 7.
This decision is contained in a report submitted by a three-member committee established by the party to investigate the allegations that some aspirants engaged in inducement during the primary.
Baba Jamal is expected to file his nomination with the Electoral Commission on Wednesday, February 11.
The investigative committee was constituted following widespread concerns and reports that TV sets and cash were allegedly distributed to delegates during the primary, raising questions about the integrity of the process. The allegations sparked public debate and renewed scrutiny of vote-buying practices within internal party elections.
According to the NDC, the committee examined complaints submitted by delegates and party members, reviewed available evidence, and engaged relevant stakeholders before arriving at its conclusions.
While the committee acknowledged concerns about monetisation in internal elections, it reportedly found no basis to disqualify Baba Jamal as the party’s candidate for the upcoming by-election.
Baba Jamal, who emerged victorious in the parliamentary primary, has consistently denied allegations of vote buying, insisting that his campaign was conducted within the rules and guidelines of the party.
The Ayawaso East seat became vacant following the death of the former Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama, necessitating the by-election.
The NDC is expected to formally communicate the outcome of the committee’s work to the public as it prepares to intensify campaigning ahead of the by-election.
