The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries in the Yendi constituency turned violent on Saturday, January 27, 2024, as one of the candidates alleged that an electoral officer was pocketing and destroying some of her ballot papers.
Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), was contesting against the incumbent MP, Farouk Aliu Mahama, for the NPP ticket in the upcoming general elections.
She asserted that the electoral officer, whose name remains undisclosed, actively reduced her votes by concealing and tearing some of the ballot papers bearing her name.
Sorting and counting marred by irregularities
Hajia Abibata reported that the sorting and counting process lacked transparency because the media and observers were instructed to move away from the scene. She also said that the electoral officer made a mistake in counting, jumping from 69 to 80, which raised suspicions among her supporters.
She informed Citi FM that the electoral officer had ink in his jacket, which he used to mark and invalidate some of her ballot papers. Hajia Abibata said that there are videos to prove her allegations and that this action infuriated some of her supporters and led to the chaos.
She further stated that the ballot papers were destroyed during the commotion, and the results have not been officially announced. She said that she has petitioned the party leadership over the issue and that she does not accept the outcome of the primaries.
Farouk Mahama declared winner by party officials
Meanwhile, party officials in the Northern region have proclaimed Farouk Mahama as the winner of the primaries, even though the Electoral Commission (EC) has not officially announced the results yet.
A national 3rd vice-chairman, regional organizer, regional general secretary, and regional treasurer of the NPP in the Northern region issued a statement on Sunday, January 28, 2024, congratulating Farouk Mahama for retaining his seat as the NPP parliamentary candidate for Yendi.
They said that Farouk Mahama polled 244 votes, while Hajia Abibata got 210 votes, out of the total valid votes cast of 454. They also commended the delegates and supporters of the NPP in Yendi for conducting themselves peacefully and orderly during the primaries.
NPP committed to peaceful and credible elections
The NPP has expressed its commitment to ensuring peaceful and credible elections in 2024, as it seeks to retain power for a third consecutive term. The party has also urged its members and supporters to respect the rules and regulations of the electoral process and to avoid any acts of violence or intimidation that could mar the democratic credentials of the party and the country.
They have also urged the EC to conduct an investigation into the allegations of ballot tampering in Yendi, ensuring that justice prevails for all parties concerned. The party has also appealed to the aggrieved candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and use the appropriate channels to seek redress.
The NPP has expressed confidence that it will win the majority of seats in parliament and the presidency in the 2024 elections, as it touts its achievements in governance, economic management, social development, and infrastructure.
Source: Modern Ghana
