NDC Fixes February 7 Primary to Choose Ayawaso East By-Election Candidate

The NDC has scheduled February 7, 2026, for its parliamentary primary to select a candidate for the Ayawaso East by-election set for March 3, following the death of MP Mahama Naser Toure.

NDC to Elect Ayawaso East By-Election Candidate on February 7

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced February 7, 2026, as the date for its parliamentary primary to select a candidate for the Ayawaso East Constituency by-election, which is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The party made this known in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, outlining the full roadmap for nominations, filing, vetting, and the conduct of the internal election in the constituency.

In the statement, the NDC urged all aspirants and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the party’s timelines and guidelines, and to conduct their campaigns with decency, unity, and in the true spirit of fairness and internal democracy.

“This process must reflect the core values of our party—discipline, unity, and respect for internal democracy,” the statement emphasized, calling on all participants to avoid actions that could undermine cohesion in the constituency.

Context of the By-Election

The decision follows an announcement by Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) that the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The EC’s move came after the death of the sitting Member of Parliament for the constituency, Mahama Naser Toure, whose passing in early January created a vacancy in Parliament.

In a statement, the EC said the by-election is being conducted in accordance with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, as amended, which mandates the filling of a vacant parliamentary seat within a specified period.

Ayawaso East, located in the Greater Accra Region, is considered a politically significant constituency, and the by-election is expected to attract strong national attention, particularly as it comes at a time of heightened political activity.

Nomination Process and Timelines

According to the NDC, nomination forms will be made available at the party’s Greater Accra Regional Office beginning Saturday, January 24, 2026, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The submission of completed forms is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, within the same hours. This will be followed by vetting, balloting, and the resolution of any appeals on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

The party has set the filing fee at GH¢40,000, while the cost of the nomination form is GH¢5,000, payable in cash upon collection.

However, in line with its inclusion policy, the NDC has approved a 50 percent concession on the filing fee for female aspirants and persons living with disabilities.

“All payments must be made directly into the party’s designated UMB account at the Adabraka branch. No cheques or bankers’ drafts will be accepted,” the statement clarified.

The party further indicated that a certified copy of the delegates’ list will be made available to aspirants after verification that the approved filing fee has been paid into the party’s official account.

This measure, the NDC said, is intended to ensure transparency, fairness, and equal access to information for all contestants.

A Test of Party Unity

With Ayawaso East being a traditional stronghold of the NDC, the primary is expected to be keenly contested. Party leaders are therefore placing strong emphasis on discipline and unity, mindful of the need to emerge from the process with a cohesive front ahead of the March by-election.

Political observers note that internal primaries often shape public perception of a party’s readiness and organizational strength. A peaceful and transparent contest could bolster the NDC’s image as it prepares to defend the seat.

The party’s leadership has appealed to aspirants to avoid divisive rhetoric and conduct their campaigns in a manner that strengthens the NDC’s presence in the constituency.

Background

The Ayawaso East parliamentary seat was held by the late Mahama Naser Toure of the NDC until his sudden death earlier this year. His passing not only created a vacancy in Parliament but also prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political divide, highlighting his role as a dedicated representative.

As the party prepares to choose a successor, the February 7 primary will mark a critical step in shaping the NDC’s strategy for retaining the seat.

With clear timelines now set, attention turns to potential aspirants and how the contest will unfold in the coming days. The outcome of the primary will determine who carries the NDC’s banner into what is expected to be a closely watched by-election in one of Greater Accra’s most prominent constituencies.