Resolve impasse between aspirants in Walewale to avoid defeat - Political analyst to NPP

Political analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, has urged the leadership of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to resolve the ongoing dispute between aspirants vying for the parliamentary seat in Walewale constituency, the hometown of the party’s flag bearer.

He cautioned that any unresolved tensions between the two key contenders—Dr. Kabiru Mahama, a special advisor to the Vice President, and the incumbent Member of Parliament, Hajia Lariba—could negatively impact the party's chances in the December general elections against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Tensions erupted during the re-run of the NPP Walewale constituency primary on Monday, September 9, 2024, when disruptions during ballot sorting resulted in the destruction of some ballots.

The Electoral Commission (EC) declared the election null and void, leaving the decision for the next steps to the NPP.

The party now faces the challenge of scheduling a new election date ahead of the closing date for nominations for the December parliamentary elections.

Although the voting process initially went smoothly after an earlier change of venue, the chaos began during the ballot sorting, when an individual attempted to flee with ballot papers, damaging some in the process.

The police intervened, fired warning shots, and arrested the suspect, who is now in custody.

Speaking on Citi FM on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Dr. Asante Otchere warned that unresolved divisions between Dr. Mahama’s and Hajia Lariba’s camps could undermine the success of the eventual winner of the primary.