The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, citing the need for national cohesion in the wake of tragedy.

The decision follows the death of the constituency’s MP, Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, who was among eight people killed in the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

In a statement dated August 11, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong revealed that the party’s National Steering Committee reached the resolution at its headquarters in line with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP constitution.

According to the statement, the sensitive nature of the vacancy and the potential for heightened political tension informed the move.

“The circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant, and the possibility of further polarisation of the country at this critical time, guided our decision,” the party said.

Describing a competitive by-election as “inhumane and unconscionable” under the circumstances, the NPP stressed that the moment calls for solidarity, not rivalry.

“The greatest tribute we can pay is to honour the late MP’s legacy, intensify the fight against galamsey, and ensure a peaceful transition for Tamale Central,” the statement added.

The party confirmed it would stay out of the process once the Electoral Commission opens nominations under Article 112(5) of the national constitution. The move, observers say, could set a precedent for political restraint during times of national mourning.

Source: TheDotNews