NPP’s Boycott of Tamale Central By-Election: Respect or Retreat?

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will not take part in the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, a seat left vacant by the tragic passing of Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed in the helicopter crash of 6 August 2025. While the party describes the move as a gesture of respect and an attempt to avoid political tension during national mourning, the political realities behind this decision cannot be ignored.

A Constituency the NPP Cannot Crack
Tamale Central is one of the most reliable strongholds of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Over the years, the constituency has shown unwavering support for our candidates, not out of blind loyalty, but because of the tangible results and commitment the NDC has delivered. In the last general election, Hon. Murtala secured an overwhelming victory, widening the gap between the NDC and the NPP to historic levels. The message from the people was unambiguous: they trust the NDC to represent their interests in Parliament, and that trust has only deepened over time. Against this backdrop, the NPP’s decision to step aside is less an act of compassion and more an acknowledgement that the political mountain before them is simply too steep to climb.

The Noble Excuse and the Political Truth
The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, claimed the decision was made to avoid acrimony during a period of mourning. On the surface, this sounds like a noble gesture. But our political culture has shown, time and again, that by-elections can be conducted with dignity, even in the wake of tragedy. The NPP’s real calculation is clear: competing in Tamale Central right now would lead to a crushing and highly public defeat. The truth is, the NPP’s influence in this constituency has been on the decline, and their failure to connect meaningfully with the people here is undeniable. This boycott is not a sign of respect for the late MP’s memory — it is a retreat from an electoral battlefield they know they cannot win.

NDC’s Commitment to Democracy and the People

For the NDC, this by-election is about more than retaining a seat. It is about upholding democratic principles and giving the people of Tamale Central the opportunity to reaffirm their voice. We will approach this contest with the solemn respect that Hon. Murtala’s memory demands, but we will not deny the electorate their right to choose their representative. We understand the needs, hopes, and struggles of this constituency because we have walked alongside the people for decades. Our development record here speaks for itself, from improvements in education and infrastructure to advocacy for fair policies that protect livelihoods. That bond of service and trust is why the NDC remains the natural choice for Tamale Central.

A Pattern of Political Evasion
The NPP’s decision fits a broader pattern: when the political winds are clearly against them, they prefer to withdraw rather than face the verdict of the people. This is not leadership; it is evasion. Democracy thrives on competition, and parties that shy away from contests risk undermining the very process they claim to respect.

NDC Territory, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

The NPP may wish to present this as an act of unity and respect, but the people of Tamale Central know the difference between compassion and calculation. The NDC will contest this by-election because it is our duty to democracy, to our supporters, and to the legacy of Hon. Murtala Muhammed.Tamale Central is, and will remain, NDC territory unshaken, unbroken, and unwavering. The people will once again speak through the ballot, and their voice will carry the familiar and enduring message: the NDC delivers, the NDC serves, and the NDC will continue to lead.