An activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Savannah Region has called for the immediate recusal and suspension of two members of the Regional Elections Committee, alleging that their conduct could undermine the credibility of the party’s upcoming internal electoral process.
The call was made at a press briefing in Damongo by Fredrick Abukari Tahiru, who accused some members of the Regional Elections Committee, the Regional Council of Elders and Patrons of failing to demonstrate the neutrality expected of them ahead of the regional executive elections scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
According to Mr. Tahiru, the concerns have become particularly serious following disputes surrounding the disqualification and subsequent reinstatement of two aspirants: Mohammed Adam Mansuur, who is contesting for Regional Youth Organiser, and Umar Alfa, an aspirant for Regional Nasara Coordinator.
He said Mr. Mansuur’s disqualification was overturned by the National Steering Committee, while Mr. Alfa was reinstated by the Regional Appeals Committee.
Mr. Tahiru argued that the reversals raised questions about the basis for the initial decisions and the impartiality of those involved in administering the electoral process.
“The credibility of our internal elections will determine the strength, unity and moral authority with which we approach the 2028 general elections,” he said.
Frederick Tahiru specifically named Dr. Abudu Musah and Ayatolai Seidu, popularly known as “Mourinho”, as members whose continued participation on the Regional Elections Committee, he believes, could compromise confidence in the process.
Ayatolai who serves as the Savannah Regional Research and Elections Officer, was accused of publicly making celebratory social media posts concerning decisions of the committee.
Mr. Tahiru said such conduct could create the perception that the committee was not operating impartially and that sensitive electoral information or decisions could be used to advance particular interests.
He called on the NPP’s National Executive Committee, National Steering Committee and regional leadership to request Dr. Musah’s voluntary recusal and suspend Mr. Seidu Ayatolai pending an independent disciplinary inquiry.
He also urged the party to consider appropriate disciplinary measures concerning Mr. Seidu Ayatolai’s conduct in his capacity as Regional Research and Elections Officer.
The briefing also raised allegations against an unnamed member of the Regional Appeals Committee.
Mr. Tahiru alleged that the individual, while serving on the Appeals Committee, also acted as legal adviser to an aggrieved party in the dispute.
He further alleged that the committee member had claimed that the current Regional Chairman gave him GH¢1,000 whenever they met after he lost his job and that this relationship allegedly influenced his ability to take decisions in the matter.
“Members of the Appeals Committee are expected to be impartial adjudicators,” Mr. Tahiru said, questioning whether the individual could act both as counsel and adjudicator in the same matter.
The allegations were presented at the press briefing as part of a broader concern about the fairness of the party’s internal electoral process.
Mr. Tahiru also criticised members of the Savannah Regional Council of Elders and Patrons for allegedly aligning themselves with particular candidates in the regional elections.
He said these constitutional bodies had a responsibility to promote reconciliation, discipline and unity, particularly at a time when disputes over the impending elections had reportedly reached the High Court in Damongo.
He urged the elders and patrons to exercise their constitutional responsibilities and help restore confidence in the electoral process.
The NPP has been conducting internal elections as part of its broader roadmap towards the 2028 general elections. Mr. Tahiru said the Savannah Region deserved an electoral process that was “transparent, impartial and beyond reproach.”
He called on the party’s national leadership to intervene promptly to protect the integrity of the elections and prevent internal disputes from deepening divisions within the party.
