Vote-Buying Allegations: NDC Probe Clears Baba Jamal Ahead of Ayawaso East By-Election
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cleared Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election after an internal probe committee found no grounds to disqualify him over allegations of vote buying during the party’s primary.
Baba Jamal emerged winner of the NDC parliamentary primary held on Saturday, February 7, but the process was later clouded by allegations that some aspirants allegedly induced delegates with cash and household items, including television sets. The claims sparked public outrage and raised concerns about the integrity of internal party elections.
In response, the NDC set up a three-member investigative committee to examine the allegations. According to the party, the committee reviewed petitions from delegates and party members, assessed available evidence, and engaged relevant stakeholders before submitting its report.
The committee reportedly acknowledged concerns about the monetisation of internal party elections but concluded that there was insufficient evidence to link Baba Jamal directly to vote-buying activities. As a result, the party has maintained him as its parliamentary candidate for the upcoming by-election.
Baba Jamal is expected to file his nomination with the Electoral Commission on Wednesday, February 11, ahead of the by-election.
The former Deputy Minister of Information has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that his campaign complied fully with the NDC’s rules and guidelines. He has urged party supporters to remain united and focus on winning the seat.
The Ayawaso East seat became vacant following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama, paving the way for the by-election.
The NDC is expected to officially communicate the findings of the probe committee to the public as it intensifies its campaign to retain the Ayawaso East constituency.
