Koku Anyidoho, a former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), predicts the party will lose significant votes in the Northern Region in the upcoming December 2024 general election. Speaking on Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV, Anyidoho cited three main reasons for this potential decline, focusing on the removal of Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader.
The people of the Northern Region, particularly the Dagombas, are reportedly upset about Iddrisu’s removal. This discontent may translate into reduced support for the NDC. Anyidoho emphasized that the manner in which Iddrisu was removed has left many feeling disrespected.
Meanwhile, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) appears to be gaining favor in the region. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appointed several northern leaders to top government positions, including Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam as Finance Minister. These appointments are seen as a strategic move to win over voters in the north.
The NPP’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has also played a significant role in this shift. Anyidoho noted that Bawumia, previously as a running mate, already made an impact in the northern regions. Now, as the flagbearer, he is expected to attract even more support.
“When you combine the three northern regions – North East, Northern Region, and Savannah – the dynamics have shifted,” Anyidoho explained. “The North East Region has six seats; NPP holds four, and NDC has two. In the Northern Region, both parties have nine seats each. In Savannah, NDC has four seats while NPP has three. Overall, NPP has one more seat than NDC, which is unprecedented.”
He continued, “Haruna Iddrisu is a Dagomba and part of the nine seats the NDC holds in the Northern Region. His removal as Minority Leader was poorly handled, appearing disgraceful to many. Following his removal, President Nana Addo appointed almost all the Dagomba NPP MPs to ministerial positions, including the Finance Minister.”
The prevailing narrative in the north, according to Anyidoho, is that while the NDC is perceived as disrespecting a northern leader, the NPP is promoting northern sons. This sentiment is likely to influence voting behavior in the upcoming election.
Anyidoho’s remarks highlight the changing political landscape in the Northern Region. The NPP’s strategic appointments and the NDC’s internal conflicts are shaping voter perceptions and potentially altering the region’s political allegiance.
As the election approaches, both parties will need to address these issues to secure support. The NDC must navigate the fallout from Iddrisu’s removal, while the NPP will likely continue leveraging its recent appointments to strengthen its position.
The dynamics in the Northern Region underscore the complexities of Ghanaian politics. Voter sentiment can shift quickly, influenced by both local and national events. As both parties prepare for the election, understanding and addressing regional concerns will be crucial.
In conclusion, the upcoming December 2024 general election in Ghana’s Northern Region will be closely watched. The NDC faces challenges in retaining its stronghold, while the NPP appears to be making strategic gains. The removal of Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader and the NPP’s recent appointments are key factors influencing voter sentiment. Both parties must navigate these dynamics carefully to secure electoral success.
Source: Ghana Web
