The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared Professor Alidu Mahama Seidu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Tamale Central after he emerged as the sole candidate in the by-election.
Announcing the decision, the Returning Officer, Muniru Musah, cited Constitutional Instrument (CI) 127, which mandates the EC to declare an unopposed candidate as elected.
“As it stands, only Prof. Alidu Seidu Mahama stands nominated, and according to CI 127, he shall be declared elected,” he confirmed.
The by-election was triggered by the tragic death of the incumbent MP, Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash nearly two months ago.
Initially, three candidates filed to contest—the NDC’s Prof. Seidu, a candidate from the People’s National Convention (PNC), and another from the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG). However, both rival candidates later withdrew, leaving Prof. Seidu unchallenged.
In line with electoral procedure, the EC reopened nominations for 10 days to allow new contenders to step forward, but none did. With the deadline expired, Prof. Seidu was declared MP-elect without a single ballot cast.
Reacting to the development, the NDC’s Deputy Regional Secretary, Ziblim Saaka, thanked constituents for their support and pledged that Prof. Seidu’s leadership will be inclusive and development-driven.
Prof. Seidu is expected to be sworn into Parliament in the coming days to officially begin his duties.
