- NPP withdraws from the upcoming Tamale Central by-election after MP Murtala Mohammed’s death, calling it “inhumane and unconscionable”
- Political activist Mohammed Buhari joins calls for the NDC to withdraw from the Akwatia by-election in reciprocity
- Buhari says the NDC boycott would show humanity, strengthen the party, and earn national respect
The New Patriotic Party (NPP), on August 11, 2025, withdrew from the Tamale Central parliamentary by-election following the tragic death of the constituency’s MP, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Source: Facebook
Murtala died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, at Adansi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, along with six other passengers, including Ernest Omane Boamah, Alhaji Muniru Limuna, Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, and three crew members.
The decision was announced by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong after a National Steering Committee meeting held on August 11, 2025.
He cited the tragic circumstances and the party’s intention to steer away from political controversies and division during the period of state mourning.
The NPP insisted that their participation in the by-election would be “inhumane and unconscionable” and would promote disunity instead of honouring the late Murtala Mohammed.
For these reasons, the NPP will not submit a candidate when the Electoral Commission opens nominations, per Article 112 (5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
Watch a discussion on the NPP’s withdrawal from Tamale Central below:
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some urging the NDC to withdraw from the Akwatia by-election to reciprocate the NPP’s thoughtfulness.
IMANI Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe supported the decision and advised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to pull out of the Akwatia by-election.
He wrote: “The NPP has decided not to contest the late Hon. Murtala’s seat. Good call. The NDC should do the same. They should not contest Akwatia.”
However, not everybody has been moved by the NPP’s gesture. The NDC’s Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu has described the move as a political gimmick, while private legal practitioner Kofi Bentil suggested scrapping by-elections entirely.
The controversy of NDC and NPP regarding the upcoming Akwatia by-elections has been heated after the NPP’s acclaimed kind gesture of withdrawal from the much-anticipated Tamale Central polls.
Mohammed Buhari urges NDC withdrawal from Akwatia
YEN.com.gh interviewed Mohammed Buhari, a known a youth activist, public relations officer, patriot, political influencer, researcher, and critic.
Source: Twitter
Mohammed Buhari is very active in the political sphere, consistently engaging in intellectual discussions, fact-checking, and analysing political matters.
He shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate over the upcoming Akwatia by-election, in light of the NPP’s withdrawal from the Tamale Central election.
With his broad experience in politics, Buhari gave his verdict and fair assessment of the NDC’s participation in the Akwatia by-election.
He agreed with calls for NDC to also withdraw from the Akwatia by-election following the NPP’s decision to pull out of the Tamale Central by-election, stating that it would honour the memories of the fallen heroes.
“If NDC is a party with principles and puts humanity first, it’s always painful to lose your loved ones, and opening a gate for the grab at this crucial mourning seat brings back the pains of the family and loved ones of the victims, looking at how they passed on.”
When asked whether it will be a wise and relevant decision for the democratic party to reciprocate the NPP’s kind gesture.
He replied:
“Yes! It will be the wisest thing, Ghanaians are beginning to see NDC as a desperate party that cares less about humanity and always puts political power ahead of anything, including lives, so if they reciprocate NPP’s gesture in Tamale Central, they may gain more respect from Ghanaians.
“Yes, it makes sense, just like how the NPP has withdrawn from Tamale central, withdrawing from or boycotting a contest based on principles isn’t undemocratic.”
Buhari made it clear that if the NDC withdrew from the Akwatia by-elections, it would help solidify their party and earn respect not only from their party but also from the opposition.
“If they withdraw, it will strengthen their party; they will gain respect not only from NDC members in the constituency but also from NPP sympathizers.”
He stated that the NDC should consider the political climate and respect for Murtala Mohammed in their decision.
“Murtala & Omane Boamah’s death should be the point; they should be seen as a party that is very pained with their death, but their intent to contest even amid the mourning will only make them look more of a desperate party,” he said.
Source: Facebook
Mohammed Buhari believes the NDC should prioritise the loss of their party members in that tragic incident while en route to an event for the government, so boycotting the election would be a great respect.
NPP urges NDC to step down in Akwatia
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) has urged the NDC to withdraw from the Akwatia by-election, following their decision not to contest the Temale Central seat after the death of MP Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
He shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate over the upcoming Akwatia by-election, in light of the NPP’s withdrawal from the Tmale Central election.
The NPP earlier announced it would not contest Temale Central out of respect and to avoid political tension, and Nana B hopes the NDC will reciprocate in Akwatia.
Source: YEN.com.gh
