The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially declared Professor Alidu Mahama Seidu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the winner of the Tamale Central by-election, after he emerged as the sole candidate in the race.
The Returning Officer for the constituency, Muniru Musah, announced the decision in line with Constitutional Instrument (CI) 127, which empowers the EC to declare an unopposed candidate duly elected.
“As it stands, only Prof. Alidu Seidu Mahama stands nominated, and according to CI 127, he shall be declared elected,” Mr. Musah stated.The by-election was necessitated by the death of the incumbent MP, Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who lost his life in a helicopter crash in August.
Initially, three candidates, including Prof. Seidu, the PNC, and the LPG, filed to contest. However, both opposing candidates later withdrew, leaving the NDC candidate unchallenged.
In response, the EC reopened nominations for a 10-day period, but no fresh contenders came forward. With the window closed and no challengers, Prof. Seidu was declared MP-elect without a single vote being cast.
Reacting to the development, the NDC’s Deputy Regional Secretary, Ziblim Saaka, expressed gratitude to constituents and assured them of inclusive, development-driven leadership. He said the MP-elect will deliver on his promises and advance the party’s commitment to progress in Tamale Central.
Prof. Seidu is expected to be sworn into Parliament in the coming days to assume his duties.