By Barima Kwaku Saakwa
Former Deputy National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, has won the NDC parliamentary primary for the Ayawaso East Constituency.
The primary, held on Saturday, was organised to elect the party’s candidate for the upcoming by-election scheduled for March 3, in accordance with the Electoral Commission’s timetable.
According to official results from the two voting centres, Baba Jamal polled 431 votes, narrowly defeating his closest contender, Hajia Amina Adam, who secured 399 votes. Mohammed Ramme obtained 88 votes, Dr. Yakubu Azindow garnered 45 votes, while Mohammed Najib received one vote.
With the victory, Baba Jamal will lead the NDC into the Ayawaso East by-election as the party’s parliamentary candidate.
Allegations of Vote Buying
The conduct of the primary has, however, been overshadowed by allegations of vote buying. Reports indicate that all five aspirants distributed various items to delegates, including deep freezers, television sets, fans, and cash, raising concerns about inducement.
In response, the National Democratic Congress has issued a statement announcing plans to investigate the alleged vote buying during the primaries.
Security and Conduct
Despite the allegations, the election was largely described as peaceful and orderly. Party officials, delegates, and supporters conducted themselves calmly throughout the process. The Ghana Police Service was also commended for providing adequate security and maintaining professionalism at the voting centres.
Pre-Election Projections Disputed
The outcome contradicts earlier projections by Mr. Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, who had predicted that Baba Jamal’s support was unlikely to exceed 38 percent, based on polling data and voter trends in the constituency.
Mr. Dankwah’s projections placed Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Ayawaso East MP Mahama Naser Toure, in the lead with an estimated 54 percent support ahead of the polls.
Observers have since questioned whether the alleged vote buying may have influenced the final outcome, although no official conclusion has been reached.
Next Contest
Baba Jamal is now set to face the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in the March 3 by-election, which will determine the next Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso East Constituency.