The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Walewale Constituency of the North East Region has reaffirmed the candidature of Dr Kabiru Mahama as the party’s parliamentary candidate for the 2024 polls.

In a statement issued and signed by the Constituency Chairman, Mohammed Janda Muniru, he indicated that the decision was arrived at after an extensive meeting with Constituency Executives, Patrons, Council of Elders and Area Coordinators.

Among the resolutions reached at the meeting he explained include the following;

1. The house reaffirmed the declaration of Dr. Mahama Tiah Abdul Kabiru as the parliamentary candidate for the Walewale Constituency by the electoral commission on 27th January 2024.

2. The house tasked the Patrons and Council of Elders to engage the Hon. Member of Parliament (MP), Hajia Lariba Abudu Zuwera in meaningful discussions to prioritize the party’s interests and resolve the electoral dispute for peace, unity and harmony.

3. The party should ensure all qualified persons are registered in the Constituency.

4. In conclusion, the chairman called on all parties, supporters, and sympathizers to put aside their differences and work together to secure our victory in the upcoming December elections.

Background

Hajia Lariba Zuwera Abudu in January this year, took legal action against her contender, Dr. Abdul-Karibu Tia Mahama, after her defeat in the party’s parliamentary primary.

The contentious primary came to a close on January 27, 2024, with Dr. Mahama, a Technical Advisor to the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia being declared the victor.

Dr. Mahama, secured the primary win with a total of 343 votes. Meanwhile, Lariba Zuwera Abudu, who at the time also served as the Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister, fell short with 334 votes.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome, the sitting MP approached the Tamale High Court on January 29, 2024, and filed a motion ex-parte, challenging the outcome.

The motion aimed to stop Dr Tia Mahama from assuming the position of the NPP’s parliamentary candidate-elect for the Walewale constituency.

The defeated MP demanded a recount of the votes, especially with the 13 rejected ballots.