Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr Adomako Kissi, has admitted that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision not to contest the Tamale Central by-election is not a goodwill gesture because of the late MP’s death, but a calculated political strategy, as the seat is a stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, August 12, Dr Kissi explained that the party’s assessment shows that winning the seat was highly unlikely, making it unwise to commit resources to the contest.
“This is not necessarily about the death. The numbers for specifically Tamale Central are not favourable, and I think that as a serious country, all the hustle related to a by-election won’t be worth it. Some places are very strongholds for a particular party, no doubt.
“From time in history, it has been NDC. The reality is that this seat has consistently been held by the NDC, and it will undoubtedly remain so. For lack of a better word, you choose your battles, so the NPP has chosen theirs. This is not a favour but a pragmatic decision made, and out of all of this, it is the future that matters,” Dr. Kissi said.
His admission contrasts with the NPP’s official explanation that the decision was out of respect for the late Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, and in line with the period of national mourning following the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
A recent statement by the NPP National Secretary mentioned that ”The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive processes in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The Party believes that the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided” he emphasized.
Justin Koduah added that, “It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed, is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central.
”Consequently, the NPP hereby announces that when the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election in line with Article 112 (5) of Ghana’s Constitution, the Party will, in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest” the Chief scribe stated.
