Walewale MP, Lariba Abudu pulls out of NPP primaries

Lariba Abudu, the Member of Parliament for Walewale, has decided to withdraw from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries in the constituency due to the annulment of the primary contest with Dr. Kabiru Mahama by the Electoral Commission (EC). This was a result of ballot papers being snatched, which disrupted the sorting and counting process.

The NPP had planned a National Executive Committee meeting for September 11, 2024, to address the situation. The party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, assured that the meeting would focus on unifying the party in the constituency, addressing issues, and ensuring that the NPP keeps its seat in Walewale.

In a statement, Mrs. Abudu stated that her decision to withdraw was in the best interest of the NPP. During an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnite, she expressed her belief that she should not hold the party hostage because of someone’s decision to run for office.

During the re-run of the primaries, an individual named Kamara Bawah took several ballot papers and attempted to flee. He damaged some of the ballots before being apprehended by the police, who fired warning shots to restore order. The damaged ballots were taken to the police station, where the EC decided to nullify the election results.

Kamara Bawah has been detained by the police for damaging the ballot papers, and security has been increased in Walewale and surrounding areas to ensure order is maintained.