CPP raises red flag; says NDC wants to rig Kunbungu by-election

Nii Armah Akomfrah

The Convention Peoples' Party (CPP) is accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of plotting to use violence to rig tomorrow's by-election at Kunbungu in the Northern Region.

The Kumbungu seat became vacant after former MP Mohammed Mumuni abdicated it to take up the post of Secretary General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP). The New Patriotic Party (NPP),the largest opposition party is boycotting the polls.

CPP's Communications Director, Nii Armah Akomfrah told Joy FM's Top Story the party has reliable information the NDC has an elaborate plan to exploit the situation to rig the polls.

He also accused Alhaji Azorka, regional chairman of the NDC, of rejuvenating a known group Azorka Boys, a group he said has a violent record, to intimidate voters in the face of electorate anticipation for a change. He said the candidate being presented by the NDC failed to deliver when her served as an MP for eight years, and the people in the area are eager for a new face.

“The only way they can win this election is to resort to violence”, he said.

Nii Armah Akomfrah was highly confident that the CPP's candidate whom he claimed has done a lot to bring development projects to the constituency will win the election.

The CPP is therefore calling on all to be vigilant to ensure that the integrity of the by-election is protected.

Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, George Lawson described the allegation as a “mere speculation”, and has therefore challenged the CPP to provide proof.

According to him, the NDC as a party does not believe in violence. He said the party has always wished for a violence-free election in the country.

He said supporters of the NDC have therefore been told to remain calm.

Meanwhile, the police in the Northern region have confirmed to Joy News they have information some individuals may be planning to cause mayhem in the area.

They will not discuss details of the intelligence report but insist they have put in place adequate measures to avert violence.

ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, Regional Police PRO, said two police officers will be stationed at each police station.

He said the police have identified about 15 hot spots out of the about 31 polling stations.

“We are going to take care of all threats,” he assured, “to ensure a free, transparent and violence free election”.