BY Daniel Bampoe
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially cleared 12 aspirants to contest the parliamentary primary in the Tamale Central Constituency following the tragic passing of the Member of Parliament and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
The internal contest, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025, is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested NDC primaries in recent history, as the party seeks to find a worthy successor to continue Murtala’s legacy in the constituency.
A crowded race to succeed a fallen MP
According to the official notice of poll released by the party’s General Secretary, the 12 aspirants cleared to contest are:
1. Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu
2. Mariama Naama Salifu
3. Aliu Abdul-Hamid
4. Prof. Abdul-Razak Abubakari
5. Hajia Shamima Yakubu
6. Dr. Seidu Fitter
7. Dr. Abdul-Rahaman Abdul-Rashid
8. Hajia Mulaika Salisu
9. Alhassan Osman Gomda
10. Alhaji Alhassan Mbalba
11. Lawyer Sadat Haruna
12. Lawyer Hanan Gundadow Abdul-Rahaman
The election will take place at Tamale Central between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. under the supervision of party officials.
Murtala’s Death
The by-election became necessary after Murtala Muhammed tragically lost his life in a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
He was en route to Obuasi alongside Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, a presidential staffer, and three military personnel, all of whom perished in the crash.
The late lawmaker, who served Tamale Central with distinction for eight years, was widely respected for his humility, integrity, and commitment to grassroots development.
His death plunged not only Tamale Central but the entire country into mourning, as he was seen as one of the rising stars of the NDC.
Tamale Central’s political significance
Tamale Central has long been considered an NDC stronghold, often delivering overwhelming victories for the party in both parliamentary and presidential elections.
