Some supporters of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Janga zone in the Walewale constituency have accused Dr Tia Mahama Kabiru, the second defendant in the ongoing Walewale NPP Parliamentary primary lawsuit at the Tamale High Court of deliberately inciting his supporters against the party and planting the seed of discord in the constituency.
According to the youth, Dr Kabiru and his supporters have been holding numerous press conferences attempting to sow discord within the party.
The group went on to defend the decision of Hajia Lariba Abudu, the current Member of Parliament for Walewale constituency to challenge the outcome of the January 27, parliamentary elections, stressing that the lawmaker has every legal right to seek justice through the courts.
Addressing the media last Sunday (July 15, 2024) Mr. Abubakari Abdul Waliu, a lead member of the youth group said widespread irregularities marred the party’s parliamentary contest.
“We acknowledge with deep concern the irregularities that have marred our parliamentary
primaries.”
Mr Waliu disclosed that there were instances of over voting and double voting, deceased delegates were recorded as having voted, and absentee voters were included in the count.
He stated that the errors in the delegate particulars significantly impacted the voting outcome.
However, he lamented that officials of the Electoral Commission a request made by the former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection to recount the ballots
“She (Hajia Lariba Abudu) requested a recount of the ballots but was denied and directed by the Electoral Commission to seek resolution in court” he alleged.
Delay tactics
According to the group, Dr. Kabiru continues to change lawyers and prolong the court case asserting that even with the best lawyer, a
weak case stands little chance.
“If Dr. Kabiru genuinely believes he won the election, why avoid the court and instead hold numerous press conferences? The ballot box and register are both with the court. It would be better to expedite the process through the court rather than petitioning the Chief Justice and repeatedly changing lawyers, which only causes further delays” Mr. Waliu stated.
He asserted further that: “Initially, the party’s lawyers sought to have the case struck out, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction because Hajia had not exhausted all internal party structures. However, the court
ruled against this motion and fined both the party and Dr. Kabiru for wasting its time.”
“Subsequently, the national party assigned Hon. Evans Nimako, Director of Elections and
Research, along with party lawyers, to appeal to the court for permission to resolve the matter
internally. After seven weeks, they returned to court and informed that, for the sake of party
unity and cohesion, the court should proceed with ruling on the matter, as stated by Lawyer Gary
Nimako, Director of Legal Affairs of the New Patriotic Party” he indicated.
Admonishment
He therefore admonished the second defendant, Dr. Kabiru and his supporters to cease spreading misinformation that Hajia Lariba Abudu
sought an out-of-court settlement; saying that the legislator has consistently respected the party’s structures and leadership.
