The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Prof Seidu Alidu is now the sole contestant for the Tamale Central parliamentary by-election. This comes after the People's National Convention (PNC) and the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) bowed out from the race on Wednesday, September 10.

NPP had earlier declared its intention not to participate in the upcoming by-election. According to a statement signed by NPP’s General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the decision was taken by the Party at a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, at the Party Headquarters pursuant to Article 10(10)(1) of the Party Constitution.

The statement indicated that their decision will be the party’s better way of honoring Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims.

In arriving at the decision, the Party considered many factors, including the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant and the possibility of a further polarization of the country at this critical time. The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to competitive processes in search of a replacement for the departed MP.

The Party believes that the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided.

“It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed, is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central.

“Consequently, the NPP hereby announces that when the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election in line with Article 112 (5) of Ghana's Constitution, the Party will, in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest,” parts of the statement read.

Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama who is a senior lecturer at the University of Ghan’s ,Political Science Department, was elected by the NDC delegates as its candidate for the Tamale Central parliamentary primaries.

His victory was officially announced by Electoral Commission officials at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium on September 6.

According to the results, he secured 840 votes out of 1,511 valid ballots cast, beating 11 other contenders in what was a hotly contested race.

His closest challenger, former Tamale Metropolitan Assembly Mayor Abdul Hanan Gundadoo, polled 536 votes, while the remaining candidates shared the rest of the ballots.

A total of 1,511 delegates out of 1,551 registered cast their votes one ballot was rejected in an election where Prof. Alidu Seidu Mahama secured a commanding lead with 840 votes, followed by Abdul Hanan Gundadoo with 536.

The remaining candidates received the following: Dr. Seidu Fiter Mohammed (44), Ing. Aliu Abdul Hamid (23), Alhassan Mbalba (10), Dr. Abdul Rahaman Rashid (9), Sadat Haruna (9), Alhassan Osman Gomda aka Naa Simani (7), Shamima Yakubu (5), Mariama Naana Salifu (5), Prof. Abdul Razak Abubakari (4), and Muleika Salisu (3).

Following his declaration as winner, he expressed his gratitude to the delegates for their support and trust in his leadership.

“I am deeply grateful to the party, the delegates, and my fellow aspirants for the clean and competitive campaign we all ran. This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to every member of this great party who believes in unity, progress, and service,” the UG Professor said.

The upcoming by-election is slated for Tuesday, September 30. The upcoming by-election has become necessary following the death of its legislator, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. He was among the eight individuals who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident on August 6. He was laid to rest on August 10.

On August 29, National Democratic Congress (NDC) cleared 12 out of 16 aspirants who picked up nomination forms to contest the Tamale Central parliamentary primary after the completion of the vetting process.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) opened nominations on August 21, for aspirants seeking to contest the Tamale Central Constituency primary.

Nomination forms were made available at the Northern Regional Office of the party from Friday, August 22, to Sunday, August 24, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day.

Prospective aspirants were expected to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of GH¢5,000 and a filing fee of GH¢40,000 to be paid in cash only into the party’s official account at UMB Bank, Adabraka Branch. No cheques or bankers’ drafts will be accepted, the party announced.

There is a slash for ..."female aspirants and persons with disabilities are entitled to a 50 per cent reduction on the filing fee. A certified copy of the delegates' list will be made available to all aspirants after the vetting process.”

A certified copy of the delegates' list was to be made available to all aspirants after the vetting process. Aside from being a Political scientist, Mr Seidu Alidu once headed the Department of Political Science of the institution. At the Water Resources Commission, Seidu Alidu holds the position of Executive Secretary. In 2014, he received a scholarship from the Donahue Institute to study U.S. Political Thought at the University of Massachusetts.

Seidu Alidu has lectured at 12 universities across Africa, including the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Dar-es-Salaam, University of Nairobi and University of Botswana. Prof. Alidu is a respected scholar who has contributed research to many well-known journals in areas like peace, justice, politics, and African development.

He has consulted for organisations, including PASGR, the Centre for International Development Issues Nijmegen, IDS at the University of Sussex, the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, UNDP, the Varieties of Democracy Project, and the Social Science Research Council. Seidu Alidu is also a former MIASA Fellow on Parliaments and Democracy in Africa.