Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Yagaba-Kubori Chairman, Akamari Bawa, has allegedly disrupted the party’s primary in Walewale during the vote sorting process, leading to his arrest by the police.
The incident took place after voting had concluded, prompting disappointment from one of the aspirants, Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru.
Speaking to journalists, Dr. Kabiru expressed his frustration, stating, “Someone, out of fear and knowing that defeat was imminent, decided to disrupt the process. We know who the person is.”
He continued, “I have raised the issue… If someone claims not to know this person, I find that hard to believe. He’s been arrested. The former constituency chairman for Yagaba-Kubori, Akamari Bawa.”
Dr. Kabiru also expressed hope that the police would handle the situation appropriately, emphasizing that the ballots, which were reportedly secured, must be counted. “They must count it, and I have absolutely no doubt that the people’s choice will be declared,” he added.
NPP Walewale Constituency Chairman, Mohammed Muniru Janda, noted that Dr. Kabiru appeared to be leading based on the ballots being sorted at the time of the disruption.
He also expressed concerns about the safety and integrity of the ballots following the incident.
Last month, the Tamale High Court in the Northern Region presided over by Justice Richard Kogyapwah, ordered a re-run of the constituency’s primary.
The Judge, who gave the ruling on Monday, September 2, said the full judgement will be read on September 12, 2024.
This ruling comes barely a week for parliamentary and presidential aspirants to file their nominations for the December 7 election in line with the Electoral Commission’s timelines.
Background
In June 2024, the court placed an injunction on Dr Mahama Tia Kabiru restraining him from holding himself as the elected parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party for the Walewale constituency in the North East Region.
The ruling by Justice Richard Kugyapaw, followed a challenge to the election results by the incumbent Member of Parliament, Hajia Lariba Zuweratu.
ALSO READ: