The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Yagaba-Kubori Chairman, Akamari Bawa, has been arrested by police after allegedly disrupting the party’s primary in the Walewale constituency during the vote sorting process. The disruption occurred after voting had concluded, sparking frustration among party members and aspirants.
Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru, one of the aspirants, voiced his disappointment over the incident, claiming that the disruption was a result of fear from a competitor facing imminent defeat. “Someone, out of fear and knowing that defeat was imminent, decided to disrupt the process. We know who the person is,” Dr. Kabiru stated in an interview with journalists. He identified the disruptor as Akamari Bawa, the former constituency chairman for Yagaba-Kubori, who has since been arrested.
Dr. Kabiru stressed the importance of continuing the election process, noting that the ballots had been secured despite the chaos. “They must count it, and I have absolutely no doubt that the people’s choice will be declared,” he added, expressing hope that the police would handle the matter appropriately.
NPP Walewale Constituency Chairman, Mohammed Muniru Janda, confirmed that Dr. Kabiru appeared to be leading when the disruption occurred. Janda also raised concerns about the safety and integrity of the ballots following the disturbance.
The incident comes amid legal uncertainty, as a ruling by the Tamale High Court in the Northern Region had earlier ordered a re-run of the constituency’s primary. The court placed an injunction on Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru in June 2024, preventing him from holding himself as the elected parliamentary candidate. This injunction followed a challenge to the election results by the incumbent Member of Parliament, Hajia Lariba Zuweratu.
The court’s full judgment on the matter is expected to be delivered on September 12, 2024, just days before parliamentary and presidential aspirants are required to file their nominations for the December 7 elections.
This incident has further complicated the re-run of the primary and raised concerns about potential political tensions in the lead-up to the general elections.
