The Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rashid Tanko Computer, has dismissed suggestions that allegations of vote buying could undermine Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed’s prospects in the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election.
He maintained that the electorate had already made up its decision ahead of the March 3 poll.
Baba Jamal, a former High Commissioner to Nigeria, is contesting the seat following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure, on January 4.
He secured the NDC’s ticket in the February 7 parliamentary primary, defeating Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late MP, and three other aspirants.
The primary, however, was overshadowed by allegations of vote buying, with reports that items including television sets and boiled eggs were distributed to delegates.
Some of the accusations were directed at Baba Jamal, leading to his recall from diplomatic service.
Although the NDC Majority Caucus called for the annulment of the primary, a committee chaired by former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi upheld the results, clearing him to lead the party into the by-election.
“Certainly no, it will not have any impact whatsoever. The people of Ayawaso are very decent. I like them. They are lovely, respectable people, so they know who they want to represent them. I can assure you they are going to vote for the NDC. They know what the NDC has done for them over the years and will reward the party on March 3.”
Rashid Tanko Computer made the remarks on Channel One TV on Wednesday, February 11, insisting that the allegations would not influence the outcome of the by-election.
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