The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially declared Professor Alidu Mahama Seidu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, as the Member of Parliament-elect for Tamale Central.
The declaration follows a by-election necessitated by the tragic death of the constituency’s former MP, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who lost his life in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
According to the Returning Officer for the Tamale Central constituency, Muniru Musah, the declaration of Prof. Seidu as MP-elect was made in line with the provisions of Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 127, which governs parliamentary elections in Ghana.
“I, Muniru Musah, the Returning Officer of the Electoral Commission for the Tamale Central constituency, working with C.I. 127, therefore declare Prof. Alidu Mahama Seidu as the MP-elect for the Tamale Central constituency,” he announced.
How Prof. Seidu Emerged as MP-Elect
Initially, four candidates picked nomination forms to contest the vacant seat. While three successfully filed, the People’s National Convention (PNC) and the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) later withdrew from the race, leaving Prof. Seidu as the sole contender.
The EC subsequently reopened nominations, giving room for fresh contestants to join the race. However, at the close of nominations two days ago, no additional candidates filed, effectively paving the way for Prof. Seidu’s unopposed victory and automatic declaration as MP-elect.
NDC Confident in His Leadership
Reacting to the development, the Deputy Northern Regional Secretary of the NDC, Saaka Ziblim, expressed strong confidence in Prof. Seidu’s ability to deliver for the people of Tamale Central.
“Prof. Alidu Mahama Seidu will be one of the best MPs to be elected to represent the good people of the Tamale Central constituency and will continue with the legacy of our late MP, Murtala Muhammed.
We believe in his capabilities, and I can assure you that by the end of the four years, he will be one of the best-performing MPs in Ghana,” he said.
Prof. Seidu is expected to be sworn into office when Parliament reconvenes, taking over the mantle to continue the representation and development agenda of the late Murtala Muhammed.
Credit: Martina Bugri
