The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for the Yendi constituency in the Northern region, Umar Farouk Aliu Mahama, who contested in the party’s recent parliamentary primaries, has expressed his intention to await the party leadership’s decision on the winner of the primaries in his constituency.
This follows a series of events that occurred after voting concluded in his constituency on Saturday, January 27, 2024, including the interruption of counting, destruction of ballot papers, and a declaration of victory by both himself and his contender, Abibata Shani.
Reports indicate that despite the absence of an official declaration, both candidates – Farouk Mahama and his contender, Abibata Shani, had individually proclaimed victory following the contest.
The Electoral Commission promptly denied knowledge of any declaration of results in that constituency and urged for calm while matters are resolved. The NPP party also stated that it was waiting for a report on what led to the incident before drawing any conclusions.
In response to the situation, Mr. Mahama insists that the disturbance was initiated by his opponent’s relative because it was evident that he was able to maintain his candidacy.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM, Farouk Mahama stated that he would patiently wait for the party’s verdict on the matter.
“As a democratic member, I am still a member of parliament for Yendi, and I have the support of the people and the delegates. I will patiently wait for the outcome of the party and the general secretary’s direction,” he said on January 29, 2024.
He assured that he believed in democracy and thus would adhere to the principles of democracy; therefore, he would not do anything to tarnish his reputation and that of his constituency.
“I am the PC [parliamentary candidate] and MP currently, and I am a democratic person who really believes in democracy so I will not do anything untoward to bend the hard-earned reputation of my tribe and the good people of Yendi. I am still the MP, and I will lead the party to the 2024 election,” he added.
Meanwhile, the police have reportedly arrested one suspect and are on a manhunt for others in Yendi, Northern Region, for election-related offenses.