NDC consolidates dominance in Northern Region - Clinches 11 of 18 seats

The Northern Region proved to be a decisive battleground for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the party secured a commanding victory by clinching 11 out of the 18 parliamentary seats in the 2024 general election.

It has, thus, consolidated the party’s dominance in a region that is traditionally regarded as its stronghold.

On the other hand, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) saw a decline in its performance, winning only six seats compared to a more competitive showing in the 2020 elections, where both parties held an equal number of seats.

Interestingly, an independent candidate, who split from the NDC, emerged victorious in the Wulensi Constituency, further altering the region's political landscape.

In Savelugu, the NPP's Fatahiya Abdul Aziz surprisingly unseated the incumbent NDC Member of Parliament, Iddris Jacob Abdulai.

However, elsewhere, the NDC wrestled key constituencies from the NPP.

The Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Musah Abdul Aziz, lost the Mion seat to Misbahu Mahama Adam of the NDC. Similarly, the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mohammed Hardi Tuferu, was defeated by Dr Mohammed Sherif Abdul Haliq in Nanton.

The Yendi Constituency saw a major upset as Farouk Aliu Mahama of the NPP lost to Alhassan Abdul Fatawu of the NDC.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Fawaz Aliu, also fell to Alhassan Umar of the NDC in Zabzugu, while the NDC’s Atta Issah claimed victory in Sagnarigu by defeating the NPP's Felicia Tetteh.

Despite these setbacks, the NPP retained control of several constituencies. Finance Minister, Mohammed Amin Adam, maintained his seat in Karaga, while other incumbents, including

Deputy Minister for Transport Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu), Habib Iddrisu (Tolon), Dominic Nitiwul (Bimbila) and Matthew Nyindam (Kpandai), held onto their seats.

For the NDC, prominent MPs such as Haruna Iddrisu, Alhassan Suhuyini and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, retained their seats, with a notable addition being Atta Issah’s victory in Sagnarigu.

 Insights

A Political Analyst, Ziblim Alhassan, attributed the results to internal party dynamics.

He highlighted the Yendi Constituency as a case where an independent candidate's presence contributed to the NPP’s loss.

"The general economic situation also played a crucial role. Many voters, especially in rural areas, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s performance, particularly regarding poverty alleviation," Mr Alhassan explained.

On the way forward, he urged both major political parties to engage more meaningfully with the electorate, particularly in underserved rural constituencies where voter dissatisfaction continues to shape electoral outcomes.

Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh