Yesterday, Friday, August 22, 2025, fourteen (14) contenders picked up candidacy papers to fight the upcoming parliamentary primary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tamale Central seat in the Northern Region.
The party previously announced that nominations would be formally launched on Friday, August 22 and conclude on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
As a result, some potential candidates went to the party’s Northern Regional Secretariat to pick up the papers, while others had their supporters do it for them
Dr. Arnold Mashud, NDC Regional Director of Elections and IT, revealed to this portal that 14 people had picked up the forms, including three female hopefuls and 11 male candidates.
The most notable personalities among the aspirants include Prof. Alidu Seidu, Executive Secretary of the Water Resources Commission and Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana; Dr. Seidu Mohammed, also known as Seidu Fitter, a lecturer at the University for Development Studies; Mariama Naama Salifu, an Assistant Consulate in Ghana’s Mission in Niamey, Niger; former Mayor of Tamale, Abdul Rahaman Hanan Gundadoo; and the NDC Northern Regional Treasury
In an exclusive interview, the Regional Elections and IT Director stated that the party did not anticipate the massive turnout, stating, “the fact is that we were not anticipating such a huge number because even the number of forms that were sent from national fell short of the number that turned out – eventually we had to call for them to resend another set of forms, so that simply tells us that we were not expecting that number.”
Dr. Mashud stated that the high attendance might have both positive and bad ramifications for the party, with the positive being that the customary tensions and attacks that characterize internal party elections may not be witnessed, as opposed to if there were only one or two candidates.
He also stated that this may jeopardize the NDC’s capacity to elect a parliamentary member who is a true reflection of the people, as the candidate with the most votes will win.
However, Arnold Mashud was also pleased by the calibre of individuals who have expressed their intention to represent the people and give their fair share to national development.
“For us, it is a good sign. It means we have individuals who can step in at any point in time to ensure that the party machinery works and the party fortunes are always consolidated,” he said.
Source: newsthemegh.com