The Business Development Minister, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal has intervened to call for calm in the heat of the moment that ensued the incumbent New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for the Gushegu constituency stepping down from contesting last month parliamentary elections of the NPP.
The minister stormed the constituency on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, as part of a working visit to the northern region to monitor the ongoing voter registration exercise organized by the Electoral Commission (EC).
At a closed door meeting with Constituency Executives, Electoral Area Coordinators, Polling Station Executives and Council of Elders of the NPP at Gushegu, Alhaji Mohammed Awal preached peace and unity among the rank and file of the party.
He implored the aggrieved supporters to allow peace and harmony to prevail in the area for the interest and fortunes of the NPP. He said internal squabbles in a larger political party such as the NPP is normal, but, however advised sympathizers of the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ziblim Barry Iddi who is the incumbent MP for the area and the party’s 2020 parliamentary candidate, Lawyer Hassan Tampuli, Chief Executive Officer for the National Petroleum Authority to bury their differences amicably moving into the December general elections.
Alhaji Mohammed Awal urged the NPP support base to respect the decision of the party and rally support behind the Busia, Dombo tradition, stating that, “They are my brothers and I tell you that they all want the future and growth of the party. There is no Tampuli or Dr Ziblim camp but the camp of the New Patriotic Party and we must collectively work together to retain the Gushegu seat”.
Background
The National Steering Committee of the NPP acclaimed the NPA Chief Executive as the NPP 2020 Gushegu parliamentary candidate following a decision taken by the incumbent NPP MP, Dr Ziblim Iddi not to participate in the parliamentary primaries at the eleventh hour. His only contender also strangely announced his decision not to contest the elections citing personal reasons.
Many loyalist of the lawmaker were taken aback but addressed a news conference where they accused the NPA Chief Executive and other big shots in the NPP of plotting against the MP. This, however, brought bad blood in the Gushegu NPP.
Therefore, the involvement by the Business Development Minister was timely and positive in reconciling the party since the electioneering process has began with the voter registration exercise.
Meanwhile, the Constituency Council of Elders applauded the minister for intervening to resolve the crisis. Secretary of the council said the elders are working hard to restore peace and sanctity in the party.
He assured that the party will overcome acrimony and further promised to deliver the Gushegu seat to compensate President Nana Akufo-Addo for permanently resolving the Dagbon chieftaincy.
