Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Africa, has described the National Democratic Congress’s handling of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary controversy as “some sort of comedy of errors,” following the party’s decision to allow Baba Jamal to contest despite findings of vote-buying.
Mr Cudjoe’s comments come after the NDC cleared Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed to file nominations for the March 3 by-election, even though the party’s investigative committee confirmed that widespread vote buying occurred during the February 7 primary.
Speaking on the matter on the Joy Super Morning Show, the IMANI Africa founder questioned the effectiveness of the party’s actions, particularly regarding statements issued without decisive follow-through.
“What’s the point in issuing those statements? I never understood it,” he said, expressing frustration with what he perceives as mixed signals from the party leadership.
Despite these findings, NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey announced on Tuesday that time constraints were a critical factor, as the party must submit a candidate before the Electoral Commission’s nomination deadline on Wednesday, February 11.
President John Dramani Mahama had recalled Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria on February 7, pending the outcome of investigations.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has also launched separate investigations into alleged vote buying, vote selling, and the sources of funding for the alleged inducements distributed during the primary.
Baba Jamal won the primary with 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who secured 399 votes.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of Member of Parliament Mahama Naser Toure, who passed away on January 4, 2026.
