NDC vote buying probe committee clears Baba Jamal to contest Ayawaso East by-election

The National Democratic Congress has resolved to retain Mohammed Baba Jamal as its parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East by-election, despite allegations of vote buying that surfaced during the party’s parliamentary primary held on Saturday, February 7.

The decision is contained in a report submitted by a three member committee set up by the party to probe claims that some aspirants engaged in inducement during the primary.

Sources close to the party have confirmed that the committee’s findings clear the way for Baba Jamal to continue as the NDC’s flagbearer for the by-election. He is expected to file his nomination with the Electoral Commission on Wednesday, February 11.

The committee was constituted after widespread reports alleged that television sets and cash were distributed to delegates during the primary, sparking controversy and renewed debate about vote buying and monetisation in internal party contests.

According to party insiders, the committee reviewed petitions from delegates and party members, assessed available evidence and engaged key stakeholders connected to the election before reaching its conclusions.

While acknowledging broader concerns about inducement in internal elections, the committee reportedly found no grounds to disqualify Baba Jamal or overturn the outcome of the primary.

Baba Jamal, who won the contest, has consistently denied any involvement in vote buying, maintaining that his campaign complied fully with party rules and guidelines.

The Ayawaso East seat became vacant following the death of the former Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama, making the by-election necessary.

The NDC is expected to formally announce the committee’s conclusions as it prepares to step up campaign activities ahead of the by-election.