Tamale Central By-Election: 12 NDC Aspirants Set to File Nominations

Twelve parliamentary hopefuls of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are gearing up to contest the party’s primary ahead of the September 2025 Tamale Central by-election. This follows the official opening of nominations by the party.

The field initially included 14 aspirants, but two Lawyer Abdul Rauf Halid, NDC National Vice Chairman, and Engineer Alhaji Ibrahim Seidu have withdrawn, citing personal reasons and the already crowded race.

The remaining 12 aspirants reflect a blend of political experience, academic expertise, and professional backgrounds. They include:

1. Lawyer Abdul Hanan Abdul Rahaman Gundadoo – Former Mayor of Tamale

2. Seidu Mohammed (Fiter) – Principal Research Assistant, University for Development Studies (UDS)

3. Mariama Naama Salifu – Princess Yelzoli of Zabzugu & Diplomat

4. Dr. Rahman Abdul Rashid

5. Dr. Aliu Abdul Hamid – Civil Engineer

6. Prof. Razak Abubakari – Senior Lecturer, Tamale Technical University

7. Alhaji Alhassan Nbalba – Former NDC-UK/Ireland Chapter Chairman

8. Prof. Alidu Seidu – Senior Lecturer, University of Ghana

9. Hajia Muliaka Sualisu

10. Sadat Harun Alhassan – Lawyer

11. Alhassan Osman Gomda – Entrepreneur

12. Hajia Shamima Yakubu – NDC Regional Treasurer

The by-election was triggered by the tragic death of the area’s MP, Hon. Dr. Murtala Muhammed, who lost his life in a military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025. The accident claimed eight lives in total.

In line with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution, the Electoral Commission is preparing to conduct the by-election to fill the vacant seat.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not present a candidate in the contest. A statement signed by NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, explained that the decision taken at a National Steering Committee meeting on August 11, 2025 was influenced by “the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the party’s desire to avoid inflaming political divisions during a period of national mourning.