The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a firm warning to candidates vying for the Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries, advising them to conduct their campaigns with decorum or face severe penalties, including the potential withdrawal from the race.
This warning was communicated during a stakeholders’ meeting in the constituency by the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC responsible for Operations, Mr. Mustapha Foyo Gbande.
While addressing delegates, constituency executives, and candidates, Mr. Gbande underscored the importance of discipline, unity, and issue-focused campaigning in advance of the primaries scheduled for February 7, 2026.
“Campaign decently or risk being withdrawn from the contest. If you excel in insults, then perhaps you should join the NPP,” Mr. Gbande cautioned.
He reiterated that the NDC does not engage in the politics of insults and personal attacks, asserting that discipline within the party will be upheld without bias.
“The NDC is not a party recognized for insults, unlike the NPP. Discipline will prevail regardless of individuals,” he stated.
Mr. Gbande expressed his concern regarding reports that supporters and representatives of certain candidates had resorted to name-calling and abusive language on radio, television, and other public forums in efforts to undermine their opponents.
He indicated that such behavior jeopardizes party unity and weakens efforts to present a united front ahead of the forthcoming election.
“Any candidate who, either directly or indirectly through supporters or representatives, is found to be engaging in insults will face consequences,” he warned.
The Ayawaso East parliamentary seat became vacant following the passing of the sitting Member of Parliament on January 4, 2026. The Electoral Commission (EC) has subsequently scheduled March 3, 2026, for the by-election to fill the vacant position.
In light of this situation, Mr. Gbande reminded party members that elections will inevitably result in both winners and losers, urging all candidates and their supporters to unite behind the eventual winner in the collective interest of the party.
He also warned delegates against engaging in unethical practices, such as secretly recording candidates during their visits or switching from one camp to another solely for financial incentives, labeling these actions as hypocritical and intolerable.
Among the candidates vying for the primaries are Ghana’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed; Constituency Chairman, Mohammed Ramne; Dr. Yakubu Azindow, a lecturer residing in Massachusetts, USA; Mohammed Abdul Salam; Najib Mohammed Sani; and Hajia Amina Adams, the widow of the late Member of Parliament, Mac Nasser Manama Touré.
Mr. Gbande was joined at the meeting by the Deputy Director of Elections of the NDC, Mr. Mahdi Jibrel; the Greater Accra Zongo Caucus Coordinator, Smaila Ali Horoya; and other constituency executives.
In his final remarks, Mr. Gbande revealed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NDC would oversee the primaries directly to guarantee a peaceful, fair, and transparent process.
He reiterated the party’s dedication to preserving the Ayawaso East seat in memory of the late Hon. Mac Nasser Manama Touré.
“Let no individual tarnish the reputation of Nima and Ayawaso East through inappropriate conduct in the name of the primaries,” he urged.
