Tamale, March 25, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP)

in the Northern Region will on Saturday begin vetting three of

its parliamentary aspirants via video conferencing. The aspirants who are domiciled abroad are Alhassan

Yakubu Tali - based in Germany and aspiring for the Tolon

seat - Iddrisu Musah Superior for Tamale Central - and Baba

Wahab for Karaga - both domiciled in the United Kingdom. Dr. Clifford Braimah, Northern Regional Secretary of the

party, announced this media at a media briefing in Tamale, on

Friday. He said the vetting of local aspirants would also begin

simultaneously with the others across the country from

Saturday, March 26. He said a total of 67 candidates had successfully filed their

nominations to contest in the 26 constituencies in the region

with nine being females and five contestants standing

unopposed. The constituencies with unopposed contestants include

Salaga, Yapei-Kusawgu and three constituencies of some

incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs). Dr. Braimah said vetting the aspirants through the social

network-Skype- indicated how prepared the party was in

wrestling power from the ruling NDC adding that, the three

filed their nominations through their agents before nominations

closed on March 18. He explained that the party had to take that decision in view

of other important engagements the aspirants had in those

respective countries. Dr. Braimah said this would also enable the committee to

diligently assess the competencies of the candidates, explaining

that the aspirants would, however, be available during the

campaign period to canvass for votes. He observed that most of the aspirants were youthful and

very vibrant, which augured well for the growth of the party.

"The crop of candidates vying in the regional parliamentary

contest this time is unprecedented." He indicated that six of the aspirants had doctorate degrees.

They are Dr. Majeed Haroun, Dr. Sagri Banibagi, Dr. Yusif

Yidana, Dr. Abdul Husein Issah, Dr. Issahaku Achrensu and

Dr. Demiuyakor Bawa. Dr. Braimah called on the party supporters to help the

hierarchy in selecting winnable candidates who would be

likeable to the masses.