The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, following the death of the constituency’s MP, Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said the decision was taken during a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, in line with Article 10(10)(1) of its constitution.
According to the NPP, the move is intended to avoid deepening political polarization, stressing that by-elections often heighten tension and acrimony. The party described it as “inhumane and unconscionable” to engage in political competition at such a sensitive time.
“The greatest tribute to the late MP and other victims of the crash is to focus on unity, peace, and the ongoing fight against illegal mining, rather than political rivalry,” the statement said.
The Electoral Commission is yet to open nominations for the by-election as required by Article 112(5) of the Constitution. The NPP has reiterated that it will not participate “in accord with the national interest.”
