Some triumph in tragedy while others are struck with terror.
The passing of a leader should stir reflection, honour, and grief—yet too often it reveals the darker instincts of man.
Machiavelli was right: at the faintest whisper of self-interest, human behaviour bends sharply towards ambition and greed.
A tragedy remains such only until the vultures of opportunity descend, converting grief into a battleground for influence, power, and self-aggrandisement.
This spectacle plays out in politics, in chieftaincy, and in corporate corridors alike—but nowhere does it feel more vulgar than in the mad scramble to succeed a Member of Parliament (MP) whose body is scarcely cold.
Illustrious
We have lost an illustrious brother, a visionary leader, and a truly distinguished Bulchina in Dr Murtala Ibrahim Mohammed, together with seven compatriots, in a tragic helicopter crash whose cause is yet to be determined.
The nation was brought to a standstill; sorrow gripped both high and low alike, and tears flowed freely—from the weak, the strong, and even the seemingly unshakable. I, too, wept— not once, but many times.
My deepest condolences go to the bereaved families, to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and to the President, who has been visibly and profoundly shaken by this tragedy.
May we all find comfort in the assurance that their lives and sacrifices will continue to inspire and guide us. Truly, they did not depart in vain.
Reflections
While I pay due respect to all who perished in that brutal and untimely incident, my reflections today focus on Comrade Murtala.
He was a leader of rare calibre, whose legacy will endure far beyond his years.
A man of divine grace, his actions seemed harmoniously aligned with both the ways of God and the aspirations of the just.
The many tributes, voice recordings, and videos now circulating across social and mainstream media are a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives he touched.
Indeed, he was not ordinary—truly, the good die young.
In the wake of his passing, the outpouring of sympathy, admiration, and almost saintly remembrance is both extraordinary and fitting.
Yet it also raises a sobering truth: for anyone to present themselves as his immediate successor at such a delicate moment is a daunting and unenviable undertaking.
Any candidacy put forward now will inevitably be measured against the deep affection and reverence that still surround his memory.
For this reason, no individual should be in haste to be handpicked as his replacement.
The fundamental principle of democracy—anchored in participation through the ballot—must remain the sole pathway for choosing a new MP for Tamale Central.
Emphasis must be placed on the word new, for there can never be another Comrade Murtala.
Any attempt to replicate his persona or leadership style would only burden the role further.
Tamale Central is already a complex constituency—one that even Comrade Murtala, in his second term, was still navigating with courage and tenacity.
His absence is a void, not a vacancy to be rushed into filling.
While we are unlikely to find a replica of our dearly departed MP, we may take solace in knowing that there are many pathways to advancing his vision and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Tamale Central.
That vision—not individual ambition—must remain the central consideration in the nomination and selection process.
Party executives at all levels must show unwavering commitment to the people by avoiding any machinations or manoeuvres that could unfairly tilt the balance toward a particular candidate.
The vetting process must be transparent—both in reality and in perception—in order to safeguard trust and legitimacy.
It would also be wise for the party to provide proper orientation for all aspirants in the NDC primaries and to carefully manage perceptions of interference, ensuring that the final choice is seen as a decision made by Tamale Central, for Tamale Central.
In moments such as these, when grief still weighs heavily on our hearts, our collective duty is to safeguard unity and dignity rather than fuel rivalry or scramble for advantage.
Abraham Lincoln, who led through one of history’s deepest national divisions, once asked: “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”
His wisdom reminds us that true leadership is not found in exploiting a vacuum, but in working alongside others—even rivals—for the greater good.
For Tamale Central, this moment is not merely a contest of succession, but a solemn opportunity to honour the legacy of Comrade Murtala by recommitting ourselves to democracy, inclusiveness, and the enduring unity of our people.
— Thoughts of a Comrade
