Walewale MP Lariba Abudu Withdraws from NPP Primaries Amid Ballot Snatching Incident

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Walewale, Lariba Abudu, has withdrawn from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries in her constituency, following a chaotic and controversial election process that led to the annulment of the results.

The primary, contested between Mrs. Abudu and her rival Dr. Kabiru Mahama, was marred by an incident in which several ballot papers were snatched, disrupting the sorting and counting process. As a result, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared the election null and void, heightening tensions within the constituency.

The decision to nullify the results came after a man identified by the police as Kamara Bawah allegedly grabbed a number of ballot papers during the counting process and attempted to flee.

According to reports, Bawah managed to destroy some of the ballot papers before being apprehended by the police. Officers were forced to fire warning shots in an attempt to restore order at the polling station. The remaining ballot papers were later taken to the police station, where the EC, alongside party officials, deliberated on whether the election could continue. However, due to the damage caused, the EC made the decision to cancel the results entirely.

The NPP’s leadership, recognizing the gravity of the situation, swiftly convened a National Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for September 11, 2024, to address the crisis. The party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, indicated that the meeting aimed to resolve the ongoing issues in the Walewale constituency and work toward a solution that would unite the party. Kodua emphasized the importance of maintaining party cohesion and ensuring that the NPP retains its seat in the constituency ahead of the national elections.

In a press release, Lariba Abudu expressed her reasons for stepping down, stating that her decision to withdraw from the race was “in the interest of the greater good of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).” She underscored her commitment to the party’s unity and success, suggesting that personal ambitions should not overshadow the party’s goals. In an interview with Joy FM’s Newsnite following her announcement, Abudu further explained her rationale: “Why should I hold my party ransom because someone has decided to be a candidate? My withdrawal is not a sign of defeat but a gesture of goodwill for the party.”

This move by the MP is seen as an effort to prevent further divisions within the NPP and allow the party to focus on more pressing issues, including preparing for the upcoming national elections. With her withdrawal, it is now uncertain what the NPP’s next steps will be in selecting a candidate for the Walewale constituency. However, party insiders suggest that efforts will be made to resolve the tensions between the supporters of both candidates to ensure a unified front moving forward.

The incident has sparked discussions about the state of internal politics within the NPP and the potential for violence during primaries. The snatching of ballot papers and subsequent annulment of the election results raised concerns about the integrity of the election process and the ability of the party to maintain order during its internal elections.

The police have since detained Kamara Bawah on charges of causing damage to the ballot papers, with investigations ongoing. In response to the unrest, security within Walewale and surrounding areas has been reinforced to prevent any further incidents. The NPP’s leadership has also reassured the public that measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence of such disruptions in future elections.

Mrs. Abudu’s decision to withdraw has sparked a range of reactions from party members and constituents alike. While some view her decision as a selfless act aimed at preserving party unity, others see it as a necessary step to allow the NPP to move forward without further internal strife. In the wake of her withdrawal, Dr. Kabiru Mahama remains the sole candidate, but the National Executive Committee’s upcoming meeting may result in further developments or alternative arrangements.

The withdrawal of the sitting MP, along with the chaotic events surrounding the primaries, marks a significant moment for the NPP in the Walewale constituency, and the party will be keen to restore stability and focus on retaining the parliamentary seat in the next general election.