The Majority Caucus, National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament has formally demanded the annulment of the recently concluded parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency, citing serious allegations of vote buying and inducement that, it says, undermine the party’s credibility and commitment to ethical politics.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 8, 2026, and signed by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, the caucus said it had carefully reviewed reports and widely circulated evidence pointing to inducement of delegates during the primary. The caucus described the alleged conduct as unacceptable and inconsistent with the NDC’s pledge to reform Ghana’s political culture.
According to the statement, the Majority Caucus held extensive consultations involving both its core leadership and extended membership before arriving at its position. The lawmakers said the issue goes beyond an internal party contest and touches on public confidence in democratic processes, especially at a time when the NDC has positioned itself as a party committed to integrity, accountability and political renewal.
As a result, the caucus resolved to submit two clear demands to the party’s Functional Executive Committee. First, it called for the immediate cancellation of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary. Second, it urged the party to disqualify any aspirant who is found, after investigations, to have engaged in vote buying or inducement from participating in any rerun of the election.
“The NDC Majority Caucus remains unwavering in its resolve to restore integrity to our politics and to ensure that internal democratic processes reflect the values we seek to uphold as a party,” the statement said.
The Ayawaso East primary, held over the weekend, has been at the centre of intense controversy following reports that some delegates allegedly received items and other forms of inducement during the voting process. Images and videos circulating on social media showed what appeared to be distribution of goods to delegates, sparking public criticism and internal disquiet within the party.
In response to the growing backlash, the NDC leadership earlier announced the formation of a three-member committee to investigate the allegations. The committee is chaired by former Minister of Information, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, and includes Mahama Ayariga and legal practitioner Emefa Fugah as members. The panel has been tasked with probing the conduct of the primary and is expected to submit its findings by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Party sources say the committee’s mandate goes beyond establishing the facts surrounding the Ayawaso East primary. It is also expected to recommend appropriate sanctions, if necessary, and propose long-term measures to prevent inducement and vote buying in future internal elections.
The controversy has already had significant consequences. President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed from his post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. Baba Jamal, who won the Ayawaso East primary, was the only serving public officer among the aspirants. The presidency said the recall was necessary to uphold the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees while investigations into the primary continue.
Political analysts say the Majority Caucus’ intervention signals the depth of concern within the party and highlights growing pressure on the NDC leadership to take firm action. Some observers argue that how the party handles the Ayawaso East controversy could shape public perceptions ahead of the upcoming by-election and future internal contests.
For now, the spotlight remains on the investigative committee and the Functional Executive Committee, whose decisions are expected to determine whether the Ayawaso East primary will stand or be rerun under stricter conditions.
Source: Africa Publicity
