The Deputy General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has denied allegations made by the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, claiming he (Mustapha Gbande) led a group of individuals to disrupt the recent rerun election in Ablekuma North.
In a statement by the Minority Members of Parliament dated Friday, July 11, Afenyo-Markin alleged that, “We are deeply concerned by the recurrence of violent disruptions by NDC thugs, led by Malik Basintale – Deputy National Communications Officer and Mustapha Gbande – Deputy General Secretary of the NDC.”
In a swift rebuttal, Mr Gbande clarified that his presence in the constituency was solely for routine electoral monitoring.
According to him, he was not at the polling station when an altercation involving former Member of Parliament and Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, erupted.
“I was in the constituency, as part of routine electoral monitoring, and though I was not at the polling station when the altercation involving the former MP and Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, broke out, I rushed there to assist in de-escalating the situation when called upon. Contrary to the false narrative, I got my driver to take her to the hospital.”
The NDC executive has described the claims by Mr Afenyo-Markin as blatantly false and misleading, cautioning against attempts to politicise incidents during elections without a factual basis.
Last Friday’s rerun was marred by electoral violence, as thugs allegedly aligned with the ruling NDC physically assaulted journalists covering the polls, as well as some prominent members of the opposition New Patriotic Party.
Meanwhile, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate, Ewurabena Aubbyn, has won the seat.