Refrain from post election violence – Matthew Nyindam, Kpandai MP-elect

The newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kpandai Constituency in the Northern Region, Matthew Nyindam, has called for peace and unity among constituents in the wake of recent post-election violence.

Speaking to Graphic Online's Simon Unyan after reports of unrest involving aggrieved supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Nyindam urged all stakeholders to prioritise the development of the constituency over acts of violence.

“There can only be one winner in an election,” he stated, stressing the importance of peace and cooperation.

He condemned the disturbances in Kpandai township and its surrounding areas, urging calm and a collective effort to rebuild and develop the constituency.

Highlighting the pressing developmental challenges in Kpandai — such as poor roads, lack of potable water, inadequate school infrastructure, and limited access to electricity — Mr. Nyindam called for unity in addressing these issues.

“The challenges in the Kpandai constituency are enormous,” he remarked. “My return to Parliament is an opportunity to serve and to lobby for the prioritisation of these developmental gaps.”

Mr. Nyindam expressed gratitude to the youth and people of Kpandai for renewing his mandate and promised to fulfill his campaign pledges, even though his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), will not form the next government.

“The government is for everyone, and I am confident that President-elect John Mahama will focus on developing every district, including Kpandai,” he said.

Reflecting on his political journey, Mr. Nyindam shared his experience after narrowly losing the 2020 elections.

“What happened was unfortunate and should not be repeated in our political discourse. I have won two elections without any violence. In 2020, as the leader of Parliament, I lost by a slim margin. I conceded defeat, regrouped, and came back stronger to win by a larger margin. I urged my brother to also concede defeat so we can move forward, instead of allowing his supporters to engage in violence,” he explained.

Mr. Nyindam called on his predecessor, outgoing MP Daniel Nsala Wakpal, to foster collaboration for the benefit of the constituency.

“Unity and peace are what we all need. We are one people with a common destiny. Now that his party is in power, I encourage him to focus on what he can do to support the development of Kpandai,” he stated.

He also appealed to the youth, urging them to avoid violence and channel their energy toward building a better future for the constituency.

“I want to advise everyone that losing an election should not mean losing your conscience. Violence does not foster development; it only brings division and destruction. I urge the youth of Kpandai to avoid engaging in post-election violence or allowing themselves to be used by politicians to cause trouble in the constituency,” he emphasized.

Mr. Nyindam further called for unity, promising to work tirelessly to address the pressing needs of Kpandai and to promote peace and progress for all.