By Daniel Bampoe
The upcoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Tamale Central Constituency has become a contest not only of personalities but also of entrenched political families, power blocs, and regional influence.
With 12 aspirants cleared by the party to vie for the seat left vacant by the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the stakes could not be higher.
A Battle Beyond the Ballot
At the heart of the contest is a fierce rivalry between two powerful factions: the Harunas and the Inusahs.
The Harunas, who once firmly backed the late Murtala, are determined to retain their dominance in Tamale Central by rallying behind Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu, a controversial aspirant whose past ties to both the NPP and NDC have divided opinion within the party.
On the other side, the Inusahs, bolstered by allies such as the Chief of Staff, Fuzak, are throwing their weight behind Lawyer Hanan Gundadow Abdul-Rahaman, a strong contender positioned as a unifying force and alternative source of leadership in the constituency.
Party insiders say a Gundadow victory would weaken the Harunas’ hold over the party machinery in Greater Tamale, shifting the balance of power and opening new political fault lines ahead of the 2028 general elections.
A Leaked Audio and the Politics of Money
The tension has been further heightened by a leaked audio in which the Harunas are heard vowing to “spend all monies in their custody” to secure a win for Prof. Alidu.
The audio has sparked debates about the role of money in NDC’s internal elections and whether the outcome will reflect the genuine will of the delegates or the influence of financial muscle.
The Aspirants
According to the official notice of poll released by NDC General Secretary, the 12 cleared aspirants are:
1. Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu
2. Mariama Naama Salifu
3. Aliu Abdul-Hamid
4. Prof. Abdul-Razak Abubakari
5. Hajia Shamima Yakub
6. Dr. Seidu Fitter
7. Dr. Abdul-Rahaman Abdul-Rashid
8. Hajia Mulaika Salis
9. Alhassan Osman Gomda
10. Alhaji Alhassan Mbalba
11. Lawyer Sadat Haruna
12. Lawyer Hanan Gundadow Abdul-Rahaman
The primary will be conducted on Saturday, September 6, 2025, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., under strict supervision by party officials.
Murtala’s Tragic Exit
The by-election was triggered by the tragic passing of Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the sitting MP and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, who died in a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The accident, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, also claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, a presidential staffer, and three military personnel.
Murtala, who served Tamale Central with distinction for eight years, was deeply respected for his humility, integrity, and commitment to grassroots development.
His death not only shocked the constituency but also plunged the nation into mourning, as he was seen as one of the NDC’s most promising young leaders.
Why Tamale Central Matters
Tamale Central is more than just another constituency. It has long been a fortress for the NDC, delivering massive margins in both parliamentary and presidential elections.
Whoever emerges victorious in this primary is not just likely to win the by-election but also to shape the future of the party’s leadership in Northern Ghana.
