The political landscape of the Madina Constituency is set for an intense battle as the sitting Member of Parliament, Francis Xavier Kojo Sosu, faces an unexpected challenge from a former ally. Awal Mohammed, a former NDC Branch Chairman and Ward Coordinator has officially filed to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general elections.

Hon. Awal Mohammed successfully submitted his nomination forms at the Electoral Commission's office in the Madina Constituency on Thursday, the 12th of this month.

He was accompanied by a group of prominent NDC branch members and key figures within the constituency, demonstrating a groundswell of local support for his campaign.

Many of his supporters, speaking to our reporters, expressed confidence in his leadership, referring to him as the leader of "Mission Rescue Madina."

Once a key figure in the 2020 victory of MP Francis-Xavier Sosu, Awal Mohammed has chosen to break away from the NDC party machinery, citing concerns about the future direction of the party in the constituency.

His decision to go independent, according to him, is driven by a desire to uphold the core principles of the NDC and protect the interests of the people of Madina.

Sources close to Hon. Awal Mohammed believe that his candidacy could significantly shake up the race.

Insiders within the party have voiced concerns that the NDC risks losing the seat to the NPP if the incumbent MP, Hon. Sosu, remains the party's candidate.

They argue that Sosu has become disconnected from the party's grassroots and constituents, accusing him of failing to address key local issues.

Awal Mohammed reportedly has the support of several influential figures within the constituency, including chiefs, imams, pastors, traditional leaders, and opinion makers.

His decision to run, according to some supporters, is also fueled by dissatisfaction with Sosu's stance on certain social issues, including remarks on LGBTQ+ matters that contradict the beliefs of many constituents.

In response to the news of his former ally's candidacy, Sosu has reportedly sent the NDC Constituency Chairman, Husain Faila, to verify the information.

Sources from the Electoral Commission's office confirmed that Awal Mohammed had indeed filed successfully, leaving Sosu momentarily speechless upon hearing the news.

With the lines now drawn between Awal Mohammed, seen as the grassroots candidate, and Sosu, backed by the party establishment, the upcoming elections promise to be highly contested.

Will this independent challenge reshape the political landscape of Madina?