Constituency executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Tamale Central Constituency of the Northern Region have voiced strong opposition to what they describe as attempts by the party’s national leadership to impose a parliamentary candidate on the constituency.

At a press conference held in Tamale on Monday, the executives cautioned that such a move would undermine the NDC’s democratic principles and risk sowing deeper divisions in the constituency.

Their concerns come in the wake of the tragic death of sitting MP Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, who died in a helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region 

Led by Abdul Mumin Naeem and Nana Alhassan Musah, the executives paid tribute to the late MP, describing him as a fearless leader whose commitment to justice and service to Tamale Central would remain an enduring legacy.

However, they expressed unease over reports that “some leadership of our party and self-seeking individuals” were attempting to sidestep grassroots participation in selecting Dr. Murtala’s successor.

“We, the branch executives, are the legitimate representatives of the people of Tamale Central, and it behoves us to safeguard their interests and ensure their voices are heard,” the group declared.

The executives demanded a transparent and inclusive selection process, giving party members the opportunity to freely elect their preferred candidate.

They warned the party not to repeat what they termed the “catastrophic” imposition of Prof. Wayo Seini years ago, which eventually led to his defection to the opposition in Parliament.

“At this critical moment, we call on all stakeholders to work together in harmony, respect the legacy of our late MP, and ensure that his successor is chosen through the principles of democracy that he himself upheld,” they said.

Copies of the press conference communiqué were sent to the NDC’s National Chairman, General Secretary, Council of Elders, Northern Regional Chairman, and various media houses.