Tension in Walewale over High Court ruling on NPP polls

Discontent is brewing in Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s home constituency, Walewale, over a recent ruling on the disputed parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Last week, the Tamale High Court dismissed the NPP’s application against the current MP, Lariba Zuwera Abudu, stating that the party failed to exhaust internal processes before resorting to legal action. The court also imposed a cost of GHc8,000 on the NPP and Dr Abdul-Karibu Tia Mahama, who won the parliamentary candidacy.

This ruling has led to tension in the constituency, prompting the Council of Elders and Patrons to convene Emergency Meetings. There are reports that efforts are being made to persuade the former Gender Minister to drop the case in order to foster party unity for the upcoming 2024 elections.

There are also concerns about potential demonstrations by Youth Groups accusing the former MP of tarnishing the constituency and the party’s image. The dissatisfaction stems from Lariba Zuwera Abudu’s challenge of Dr Tia Mahama’s victory in the primary election.

In response to the legal action, the Tamale High Court has issued an injunction preventing Dr Tia Mahama from being declared as the NPP’s candidate-elect for the Walewale constituency. The court also ordered a recount of votes, particularly focusing on the 13 rejected ballots.