National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Halid Abdul Rauf, has officially withdrawn from the race to contest the Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, just a day after picking nomination forms.
In a press statement issued on Saturday August 23, Rauf, a lawyer explained that his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with his family, party elders, and the grassroots of the NDC.
He cited three main reasons for stepping down: the close bond between his family and that of the late MP, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala; the large number of aspirants who have picked nomination forms; and the advice of 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 stated.
National Vice Chairman of the NDC expressed gratitude to the national and regional executives of the NDC, his family, and party supporters for their confidence in him.
He urged unity among members of the NDC to honor the legacy of the late MP and secure victory in the upcoming by-election.
The Tamale Central seat became vacant following the tragic helicopter crash three weeks ago that claimed the life of Dr. Murtala and seven others.
His withdrawal reduces the number of aspirants from fourteen to thirteen. Citi News can confirm that no additional candidates picked nomination forms on day two of the process.
Nominations are scheduled to close on Sunday, August 24, 2025, while the filing of nominations has been set for Thursday, August 28, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Read also
Thirteen NDC aspirants pick forms for Tamale Central by-election
![Director of Research and Elections of the New Patriotic Party, Evans Nimako [right]](https://www.citinewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/EVANS-2-350x250.png)
![Baba Ali, NPP parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East [middle].](https://www.citinewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ALI--350x250.png)
