Keep Ayawaso East results to preserve peace — Zongo Chiefs to NDC

The Ayawaso Council of Zongo Chiefs has cautioned that any decision by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to annul the recent parliamentary primary in the area could trigger unrest.

The warning comes amid calls from some quarters for the party to cancel the February 7, 2026 primary following allegations of widespread vote-buying. The chiefs are instead urging the NDC to accept the outcome of the contest, which was narrowly won by Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed.

Baba Jamal, Ghana’s recalled High Commissioner to Nigeria, defeated Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama, in a tightly contested race to select the NDC’s candidate for the March 3 by-election.

The primary was quickly engulfed in controversy after videos circulated on social media allegedly showing delegates leaving voting centres with items such as television sets, cash and food. The allegations sparked a national backlash, prompting President John Dramani Mahama to recall Baba Jamal from his diplomatic post and the NDC to set up an investigative committee. Some members of the party’s parliamentary caucus have also called for the annulment of the primary and sanctions against any individuals found culpable.

Addressing the media, representatives of the Ayawaso Council of Zongo Chiefs expressed concern that a rerun of the primary could destabilise the constituency.

Responding to a question on whether annulling the results could lead to violence, the Council’s Vice Chairman, Tanko Ibrahim, answered in the affirmative.

“There is something like that. So, this is what we are avoiding. We know what we are doing,” he said.
“So, if the result is kept the way it is, I think we will live peacefully.”

The chiefs argued that electoral disputes are not uncommon and insisted that the results should be allowed to stand. They openly aligned themselves with Baba Jamal, urging the party to prioritise peace and unity ahead of the by-election.

The NDC’s investigative committee is expected to submit its findings in the coming days. However, the party has not announced when a final decision will be taken—a move that is likely to test its internal disciplinary processes and commitment to enforcing its own rules