The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo, has issued a public apology following a controversial remark about Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Member of Parliament for the constituency.
During the Community Manifesto session on TV3’s New Day on Wednesday, August 28, Dumelo was presenting his vision and policies for Ayawaso West Wuogon when he was interrupted by chants of “V8” from New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters.
The chant referenced a past scandal involving Dumelo’s alleged acquisition of a state-owned Toyota Land Cruiser V8, which was later reclaimed by National Security Operatives in 2017.
Frustrated by the taunts, Dumelo responded by suggesting that Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, might have been involved in her husband’s death to secure her position in Parliament.
Following widespread criticism and personal reflection, John Dumelo took to Facebook to issue a public apology.
He clarified that his comment was a reaction to false allegations made by NPP supporters regarding his mother’s death, as well as personal attacks on his character.
“I apologize and unreservedly retract my previous comments. I extend my sincere and unconditional apologies to Hon. Lydia Alhassan for my remarks during the Media General public engagement (Community Manifesto) concerning the death of her husband. To everyone who knows me, both in my private life and political activities, it is clear that those statements do not reflect my values or what I stand for.
“My comments were in response to personal attacks by supporters of the honorable minister, including false allegations regarding my mother’s death. However, I recognize that my reaction was inappropriate,” Dumelo said in a post on Facebook.
Read full post below:
Public Apology
I apologize and unreservedly retract my previous comments.
I extend my sincere and unconditional apologies to Hon. Lydia Alhassan for my remarks during the Media General public engagement (Community Manifesto) concerning the death of her husband.
To everyone who knows me, both in my private life and political activities, it is clear that those statements do not reflect my values or what I stand for.
My comments were in response to personal attacks by supporters of the honorable minister, including false allegations regarding my mother’s death. However, I recognize that my reaction was inappropriate.
I want to assure the people of Ayawaso West Wuogon of my full commitment to the development and progress of our constituency.
I sincerely apologize and retract my statements.
John Setor Dumelo
(NDC Parliamentary Candidate, AWW)
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