Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, has secured victory in the fiercely contested National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary for the Ayawaso East Constituency.
The primary, held on February 7, 2026, saw Baba Jamal emerge as the party’s candidate for the upcoming March 3 parliamentary by-election, following the passing of the incumbent MP, Naser Toure. Provisional results confirmed his win with 431 votes, positioning him to defend the NDC’s stronghold in this key Accra seat.
Baba Jamal Wins Ayawaso East NDC Primaries Amid Vote Buying Allegations [VIDEO]
Baba Jamal, a former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, outpolled his closest rival, Hajia Amina Adam—the widow of the late MP—who garnered 399 votes. Other contenders included Mohammed Ramne with 88 votes, Dr. Yakubu Azindow with 45 votes, and Najib Sani with just 1 vote. The combined tally from the two voting centers highlighted a narrow but decisive margin of 32 votes between the top two candidates, reflecting intense competition among the five aspirants.
The primary unfolded against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny, with widespread reports of inducement and vote buying surfacing before and during the event. Allegations centered on the distribution of items, including 32-inch television sets, to delegates—gestures that some viewed as attempts to influence outcomes. The NDC national executives issued a statement condemning such practices as breaches of party values and announced an investigation into the claims.
Vote Buying Allegations Rock Ayawaso East NDC Parliamentary Primary
Baba Jamal has publicly defended the distribution of television sets, describing them as personal gifts rather than inducements meant to sway votes. He questioned the wrongdoing in such gestures, noting his history of generosity during festive seasons. However, the controversy has drawn attention from party leadership, with President John Dramani Mahama reportedly ordering Baba Jamal’s immediate recall from his diplomatic post due to his status as a serving public officer amid the allegations.
Public reactions have been polarized, with jubilant scenes in areas like Nima following the announcement, contrasted by calls from critics for greater transparency in party processes. Some online commentators linked the vote margin directly to the reported gifts, fueling debates about fairness in internal elections. The NDC’s response underscores its commitment to addressing misconduct while preparing for the by-election.
This outcome sets the stage for a significant test in Ayawaso East, a constituency historically aligned with the NDC. Baba Jamal’s selection brings diplomatic experience and past parliamentary tenure to the campaign, though the surrounding controversies could impact perceptions ahead of the March contest.
The developments highlight ongoing challenges in Ghana’s political landscape regarding integrity in primaries and elections. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring a level playing field and maintaining public trust in the democratic process.
For more on Ghana’s evolving political scene, including recent party developments, check out our Political Trends
