Tamale Central by-election: 13 NDC aspirants pick nomination forms
The upcoming by-election in the Tamale Central constituency comes in the wake of a national tragedy. The seat became vacant after the untimely death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who perished in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region. The crash claimed the lives of eight individuals, including security personnel, during an official government mission.
Strong interest from party stalwarts
In a show of deep interest and competition within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), thirteen aspirants have picked up nomination forms to contest the parliamentary seat. The nomination window opened on Friday, August 22, and will close on Sunday, August 24. Filing and submission of completed forms is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Among the aspirants are seasoned politicians, academics, diplomats, professionals, and community leaders — a reflection of the constituency’s strategic importance and the stature of the late MP.
Profiles of the aspirants
The 13 aspirants who have so far picked up forms include:
- Abdul Hanan Gundadoo – Former Mayor of Tamale Metropolitan Assembly
- Lawyer Abdul Rauf Halid – National Vice Chairman, NDC
- Dr. Seidu Mohammed Fiter – Lecturer, University for Development Studies (UDS)
- Mariama Naama Salifu – Princess Yelzoli of Zabzugu & Diplomat
- Dr. Rahman A. Rashid
- Dr. Aliu Abdul Hamid – Civil Engineer
- Prof. Razak Abubakari – Senior Lecturer, Tamale Technical University
- Alhaji Alhassan Nbalba – Former Chairman, NDC-UK/Ireland Chapter
- Prof. Alidu Seidu – Senior Lecturer, Political Science Department, University of Ghana
- Hajia Muliaka Suliasu
- Sadat Harun Alhassan – Lawyer
- Alhassan Osman Gomda – Entrepreneur
- Hajia Shamima Yakubu – Regional Treasurer
Notably, two of the aspirants are women, signaling growing female representation in political leadership.
Party urges clean campaign
As the internal competition heats up, the NDC regional executives have called for calm, unity, and a decent campaign among aspirants and their supporters. With public attention focused on how the party manages the by-election process, leaders are emphasizing discipline and decorum to maintain party cohesion and respect the memory of the late MP.
Following the closure of nominations and the submission of forms on August 28, the NDC is expected to vet the aspirants before holding a primary election to select its candidate for the by-election. The Electoral Commission is yet to announce the official date for the by-election, but expectations are high within the constituency, which remains a key stronghold for the NDC.
The Tamale Central by-election is shaping up to be a critical test for the NDC, not only in selecting a worthy successor to the late Dr. Murtala Muhammed but also in showcasing internal party democracy. With 13 aspirants already in the race, the coming weeks promise intense political activity in the constituency.
