NDC Clears Baba Jamal to Contest Ayawaso East By-Election After Probe

Ferdinand  | PoliticsGhana | February 10 | NDC Clears Baba Jamal to Contest Ayawaso East By-Election After Probe

 
The NDC has cleared Mohammed Baba Jamal to remain its parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East by-election after an internal committee found no sufficient evidence to disqualify him over vote-buying allegations.

The National Democratic Congress has cleared Mohammed Baba Jamal to contest as its parliamentary candidate in the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election following an internal investigation into allegations of vote buying during the party’s recent primary.

The decision comes after a three-member committee established by the party submitted its findings on claims that some aspirants induced delegates during the parliamentary primary held on Saturday, February 7.

Committee Finds No Grounds for Disqualification

According to a Citinewsroom report, sources within the party have confirmed that the investigative body found no sufficient evidence to overturn Baba Jamal’s victory or disqualify him from contesting the by-election.

The committee was tasked to examine allegations that television sets and cash were distributed to delegates ahead of or during the primary. The claims sparked internal debate and renewed scrutiny of monetisation practices in party elections.

Party insiders indicate that the panel reviewed formal petitions, assessed available material evidence, and engaged relevant stakeholders before reaching its conclusion.

Nomination Filing Expected

Following his clearance, Baba Jamal is expected to file his nomination papers with the Electoral Commission on Wednesday, February 11, in preparation for the by-election.

He had earlier denied all allegations of vote buying, insisting that his campaign complied fully with the party’s rules and guidelines.

Background to the By-Election

The Ayawaso East parliamentary seat became vacant after the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama. The Electoral Commission is expected to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy in accordance with constitutional provisions.

While the committee reportedly acknowledged broader concerns about the role of money in internal political contests, it maintained that the evidence presented did not justify punitive action against the candidate.

The development clears the way for what is expected to be a closely watched by-election in one of Accra’s key constituencies.