By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
A former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom on the ticket of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has described his party’s withdrawal from the upcoming Tamale Central by-election as a strategic decision, not an act of political favour as some have alleged.
The by-election was triggered by the tragic death of the sitting MP, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, who died in a helicopter crash on August 6. Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Dr. Kissi emphasized that the NPP’s decision not to contest the by-election was a calculated and pragmatic move by the party’s national leadership.
He explained that internal assessments conducted by the party indicated unfavourable electoral prospects in the Tamale Central Constituency. As such, the NPP deemed it more prudent to redirect its resources rather than commit to a campaign with limited chances of success.
He argued that contesting in an area historically dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would be an unwise use of the party’s time and funds, especially when those resources could be channeled into constituencies with a more competitive chance of victory.
“This is not necessarily about the death. The numbers for specifically Tamale Central are not favourable, and I think that as a serious country, all the hustle related to a by-election won’t be worth it. Some places are strongholds for a particular party, no doubt.
Throughout time in history, it has been NDC. The reality is that this seat has consistently been held by the NDC, and it will undoubtedly remain so. For lack of a better word, you choose your battles, so the NPP has chosen theirs. This is not a favour but a pragmatic decision made, and out of all of this, it is the future that matters,” he stressed.
READ FULL STATEMENT BY THE NPP NOT TO CONTESET IN THE TAMALE CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY BY-ELECTION
