The race to succeed the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed as the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central constituency has taken a significant turn with the withdrawal of two prominent aspirants from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary race.
Alhaji Ibrahim Seidu, an engineer and contestant in the race, along with Lawyer Halid Abdul Rauf, the NDC National Vice Chairman, have both stepped down from the contest. Their withdrawals come amid an unusually high number of contestants who picked nomination forms on the opening day, indicating a fiercely competitive battle ahead.
Sources close to the party revealed that Alhaji Seidu’s decision to withdraw was influenced by the large number of aspirants, which suggested a challenging contest. Similarly, Lawyer Halid Abdul Rauf made his decision public through a press statement on Saturday, August 23, citing three key reasons: his family’s long-standing ties with the late MP’s family, the high number of aspirants, and counsel received from party elders and family leaders.
Rauf stated, “I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw my candidacy from the race to replace our beloved late Member of Parliament for the Tamale Central Constituency.” He added that his choice followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations.” He expressed gratitude to the party’s national and regional leadership, his family, and grassroots supporters for their encouragement and called for unity within the NDC to honor the legacy of the late Murtala Muhammed.
The Tamale Central seat became vacant following the tragic helicopter crash on August 6, which claimed the life of Dr. Murtala Muhammed, who was also the Minister for Environment, along with seven others.
According to the Electoral Commission’s timetable, nominations for the by-election close on today Sunday, August 24, while filing is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
In a gesture of respect for the late MP, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) announced it will not field a candidate for the by-election, setting the stage for what is expected to be an all-NDC contest in Tamale Central.This development highlights the complex dynamics in the race to fill the Tamale Central parliamentary seat, as the NDC seeks to maintain its hold amidst a competitive primary process
