The main contender to Farouk Aliu Mahama in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the Yendi Constituency, Hajia Abibata Shanni has urged all stakeholders to respect established party structures and refrain from making premature pronouncements until an official decision is reached.
This is contained in a press release dated January 28 issued by the Spokesperson of Hajia Shanni’s campaign team.
“The Electoral Commission officials, whether by miscalculation or by design during the counting of the ballot papers in the full glare of party supporters jumped the count from 69 straight to 80 which was his first attempt to increase the votes of my opponent by 10 more,” the press release alleged.
According to the press release, the electoral officers behaved in a manner that disadvantaged Hajia Abibata Shanni.
“As if that was not enough, they were also caught by vigilant agents and other observers for fraudulently destroying and even concealing some of the ballot papers belonging to Hajia Abibata in his jacket,” they further alleged.
Read full account as contained in the release below:
We want to state the following facts.
- Counting of ballot papers in the 2024 Yendi Parliamentary Election was profoundly and fiercely interrupted and halted due to a deliberate attempt by some Electoral Commission officials to manipulate the figures and overturn the verdict in favor of the incumbent MP, Farouk Aliu Mahama.
- The Electoral Commission officials whether by miscalculation or by design during the counting of the ballot papers in the full glare of party supporters jumped the count from 69 straight to 80 which was his first attempt to increase the votes of my opponent by 10 more.
- As if that was not enough, they were also caught by vigilant agents and other observers for fraudulently destroying and even concealing some of the ballot papers belonging to Hajia Abibata in his jacket.
- The malevolent actions of the EC officials quickly provoked violent attacks from some party supporters who ended up destroying the ballot papers.
- It took the swift intervention of the Police present to protect the EC officials, and both aspirants were advised by the Security to move from the scene. The election can therefore not be declared without the aspirants or our assigned agents.
- The purported declaration made by the 3rd National Vice Chairman is illegitimate and should be disregarded. The situation remains under review.
- The NPP, as a party committed to due process, emphasizes the importance of legal and procedural oversight in determining the legitimacy of any such declaration. A formal petition will be sent to the relevant stakeholders to deal with it.
- While we appreciate the passion and commitment of our party members, we urge all stakeholders to respect established party structures and refrain from making premature pronouncements until an official decision is reached.
- The New Patriotic Party reaffirms its commitment to fairness, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles. We assure our members and the public that the party leadership will take appropriate actions.
- As we work diligently to address this matter, we call for calm and patience among our party members. Further updates on the situation will be communicated as soon as official information becomes available.