‘I apologize for saying Lydia Alhassan killed her husband to become MP’ — John Dumelo
John Setor Dumelo, the National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency has issued an unreserved public apology to his political rival, Lydia Alhassan.
Mr. Dumelo came under intense criticism on social media on Wednesday, August 28, after accusing Mrs. Alhassan, the incumbent New Patriotic Party MP and Parliamentary Candidate of being responsible for her husband's death so she could replace him in parliament.
The comments were made during a political forum hosted by Media General's TV3.
In a statement released on Thursday, Mr. Dumelo said "I apologize and unreservedly retract my previous comments. I extend my sincere and unconditional apologies to Hon. Lydia Alhassan for my remarks during the Media General public engagement concerning the death of her husband."
He admitted that his reaction was "inappropriate" and did not reflect his values.
“My comments were in response to personal attacks by supporters of the honorable minister, including false allegations regarding my mother’s death. However, I recognize that my reaction was inappropriate," the statement read.
Mr. Dumelo assured constituents of his commitment to the development of Ayawaso West Wuogon.
Read his full statement below:
Public Apology
I apologize and unreservedly retract my previous comments.
I extend my sincere and unconditional apologies to Hon. Lydia Alhassan for my remarks during the Media General public engagement (Community Manifesto) concerning the death of her husband.
To everyone who knows me, both in my private life and political activities, it is clear that those statements do not reflect my values or what I stand for.
My comments were in response to personal attacks by supporters of the honorable minister, including false allegations regarding my mother’s death. However, I recognize that my reaction was inappropriate.
I want to assure the people of Ayawaso West Wuogon of my full commitment to the development and progress of our constituency.
I sincerely apologize and retract my statements.
John Setor Dumelo
(NDC Parliamentary Candidate, Ayawaso West Wougon)