The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially declared Prof. Alidu Mahama Seidu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Tamale Central in the Northern Region, after emerging as the sole candidate in the by-election.

The Returning Officer, Muniru Musah, announced the decision in accordance with Constitutional Instrument (CI) 127, which allows the EC to declare a candidate elected unopposed.

“As it stands, only Prof. Alidu Mahama Seidu stands nominated, and according to CI 127, he shall be declared elected,” Mr. Musah stated.

The by-election became necessary following the tragic death of the incumbent MP, Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash nearly two months ago.

Initially, three candidates – Prof. Seidu, the People’s National Convention (PNC) candidate, and the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) candidate – filed to contest.

However, the PNC and LPG candidates later withdrew, leaving Prof. Seidu unopposed.

The EC subsequently reopened nominations for 10 days, but no new contenders came forward.

With the window closed, the NDC candidate was declared MP-elect without a single vote being cast.

Reacting to the development, NDC Deputy Regional Secretary, Ziblim Saaka, expressed gratitude to the people of Tamale Central and pledged that Prof. Seidu would champion inclusive and development-driven leadership in Parliament.

The MP-elect is expected to be sworn in within days to assume his duties.