Deputy National Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has dismissed remarks made by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, the running mate for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing them as misguided.

Mr. Basintale’s comments come in response to a statement NAPO made during a visit to Yaa-Naa Bukali Mahama II, the Overlord of Dagbon, in Yendi.

During the visit, NAPO controversially described voting for the NDC as "haram"—a term meaning forbidden in Islam—for Muslims. He further asserted that it would be inappropriate for an Imam to pray for the return of former President John Mahama to power.

“Two weeks ago, the running mate of the NPP called NAPO visited the Overlord of Dagbon, and when he came, he made a statement that if you are a Muslim or a Dagomba and you vote for the NDC or John Mahama, God will punish you,” Basintale recounted.

“I am standing here to tell him that in the olden days, when one becomes mad, he or she is brought to Dagbon for treatment, and he shouldn’t bring his things here.”

Mr. Basintale criticized NAPO for attempting to impose religious interpretations on political choices, emphasizing that such matters are deeply personal and should not be dictated by politicians.

“What he does not know is that Yaa-Naa is aware that it is the NDC that built the Tamale Teaching Hospital. The Yaa-Naa knows that it is the NDC that asphalted the Eastern Corridor Road. The Yaa-Naa knows that it is the NDC that expanded the Tamale Teaching Hospital. So, he will vote for Mahama and the NDC,” Basintale said.

The NDC official firmly rejected NAPO’s claims, questioning his authority to declare support for the NDC as sinful. He expressed confidence that the people of Dagbon, including the revered Yaa-Naa, would support the NDC in the 2024 general elections, given the party’s track record of development in the region.

“Political choices are a personal decision and should not be framed as a matter of religious doctrine. Even the respected Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Bukali Mahama II, will vote for Mahama and the NDC,” Basintale reiterated.