Twelve (12) individuals are expected to file nominations to contest the Tamale Central by-election primary on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following the opening of nominations ahead of the September 2025 by-election.
This comes after two aspirants, Lawyer Abdul Rauf Halid, the NDC’s National Vice Chairman, and Engineer Alhaji Ibrahim Seidu, formally withdrew from the race, citing personal reasons and the high number of entrants.
Among the 12 aspirants remaining are a mix of seasoned politicians, academics, and professionals, all vying for the party’s nod to represent the constituency:
1. Lawyer Abdul Hanan Abdul Rahaman Gundadoo – Former Mayor of Tamale
2. Seidu Mohammed (Fiter) – Principal Research Assistant at 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 Tamale Central seat became vacant following the tragic death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Muhammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.
Dr. Muhammed was among eight individuals who lost their lives when a military Helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region.
His passing has created a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat, prompting preparations for a by-election in accordance with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will not field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election. In a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said the decision was taken during a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at its national headquarters.
The resolution, made in line with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution, was influenced by what the party described as the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the need to avoid deepening political divisions at a time of national mourning.
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Tamale Central By-Election: Second NDC aspirant withdraws, 12 remain in race
