The National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Halid Abdul Rauf, has withdrawn his candidacy from the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, just a day after collecting nomination forms.
Mr Rauf, a lawyer by profession, announced his decision in a statement released on Saturday, citing what he described as "deep reflection and extensive consultations" with his family, party elders, and grassroots supporters.
His withdrawal comes in the wake of the sudden death of the sitting MP, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, who died in a helicopter crash three weeks ago along with seven others.
Mr Rauf pointed to three main reasons for stepping aside: the close personal relationship between his family and that of the late MP; the high number of contenders vying for the seat; and advice from party elders and family leaders.
“I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw my candidacy from the race to replace our beloved late Member of Parliament for the Tamale Central Constituency,” he said in the statement.
He expressed gratitude to party leadership and supporters for their encouragement and called for unity within the NDC as it prepares for the by-election.
His exit reduces the number of aspirants from fourteen to thirteen. Citi News reports that no additional nominations were submitted on the second day of the nomination process.
Nominations are expected to close on Sunday, 24 August, while the formal filing of nominations is scheduled for Thursday, 28 August, between 08:00 and 17:00 local time.
