Tamale High Court Overturns NPP Walewale Primary Results; Orders New Election

The Tamale High Court has declared the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Walewale parliamentary primary invalid, necessitating a new election.

Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru, who had been announced as the winner of the disputed primary, is now barred from presenting himself as the party’s candidate. The court’s decision on Monday, September 2, 2024, has led to a call for fresh nominations.

Dr. Kabiru, a 35-year-old PhD holder and special advisor to the Vice President, narrowly defeated Hajia Lariba Zuweratu in the January primary. The result saw Dr. Kabiru secure 345 votes against Hajia Lariba’s 338, amid heavy security and the presence of regional and constituency officials.

Hajia Lariba contested the results, alleging electoral irregularities and misconduct, leading her to file an ex parte motion at the Tamale High Court. Her complaint was directed at Dr. Kabiru, the NPP, and the Electoral Commission.

Other candidates in the primary included Tahiru Sham-Una and Jangdoo Mahama, who received 145 and 1 vote, respectively. The NPP initially sought to dismiss the case, arguing that Hajia Lariba had bypassed internal conflict resolution procedures.

Before the ruling, NPP supporters in Walewale urged the party’s Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to intervene, warning that unresolved disputes could damage the party’s chances in the upcoming elections.

Earlier in March, the court had rejected the NPP’s request to dismiss the case and imposed a GH¢8000 fine on the party.