By Grace Zigah
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has opened nominations for its parliamentary primaries in the Tamale Central Constituency, attracting an overwhelming response on the very first day as 13 aspirants, including three women, picked nomination forms to contest in the upcoming by-election.
A Constituency in Mourning
The by-election was necessitated by the tragic death of Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the sitting Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, who died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The crash claimed eight lives and plunged both the party and the nation into mourning.
Dr. Murtala, an outspoken lawmaker, was regarded as one of the most prominent voices of the NDC in the Northern Region.
His sudden death created not only a political vacuum but also a deep emotional void in the constituency, which had consistently voted overwhelmingly for the NDC.
Opening of Nominations
In a statement issued by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC announced that nominations opened on Friday, August 22, and will close on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Aspirants are to obtain and file their nomination forms at the NDC’s Northern Regional Office in Tamale.
Nomination forms were pegged at GH₵5,000, while the filing fee is GH₵40,000.
However, under the party’s affirmative action policy, women and persons with disabilities are entitled to a 50 percent discount on filing fees.
The statement also assured party faithful of a transparent process, noting that a certified delegates’ list will be released after the vetting of aspirants to avoid disputes that have previously marred internal contests.
Intense Interest in the Seat
On the very first day, 13 individuals declared interest by picking up forms, signaling a highly competitive race ahead.
Among them are three women, a development seen as significant in a constituency and region where female parliamentary representation remains low.
Political watchers in Tamale note that some of the aspirants are seasoned politicians with grassroots support, while others are relatively new faces hoping to ride on the sympathy wave following Murtala Mohammed’s passing.
NDC’s Stronghold
Tamale Central is considered a safe seat for the NDC, having consistently delivered large margins to the party in successive elections.
The late Dr. Murtala Mohammed retained the seat comfortably in the 2024 general elections.
Analysts believe that while the primaries will be keenly contested, the by-election itself may be more of a formality given the NDC’s dominance in the constituency.
NPP Steps Aside
In a move that has attracted widespread commendation, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) announced that it will not be fielding a candidate in the by-election.
According to NPP officials, the decision was taken as a mark of respect for the late Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who was admired across the political divide for his outspoken nature and dedication to his constituents.
