Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed confidence that the party will quickly unite after the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary and focus on winning the upcoming by-election.
Speaking after the declaration of results on Saturday, February 7, Gbande described the winner, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, as an experienced and astute politician. He noted that Baba Jamal is a former Member of Parliament who is currently serving as Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, adding that his political background places him in a strong position to lead the party into the by-election.
Gbande also acknowledged the strength of the other contenders, particularly Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Mahama Naser Toure.
He said she is regarded as an influential figure within the party and had strongly supported her husband during his time in office. He further mentioned the NDC Constituency Chairman, Mohammed Ramme, and the other aspirants, noting that all contestants entered the race knowing that only one person would eventually emerge as the winner.
According to Gbande, the contest was not overly acrimonious, which he believes will make it easier for the party to bring everyone together after the primary. He said the Nima community, which forms a key part of the constituency, is known for unity after elections, and the party intends to build on that tradition.
He indicated that as part of post-primary unity, the NDC will take deliberate steps to engage all aspirants and their supporters to strengthen party cohesion. Gbande stressed that unity remains critical as the party prepares for the by-election.
“The most important thing is that we must win that seat,” he said.
Baba Jamal won the primary with 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who secured 399 votes. Mohammed Ramme polled 88 votes, Dr Yakubu Azindow had 45 votes, while Mohammed Najib received 1 vote. With the primary concluded, the NDC is now turning its attention to consolidating support ahead of the Ayawaso East by-election.
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