The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, Baba Jamal, has cast his vote at the Alhaji Iddrisu House polling station 2 and called on his supporters and all voters in the constituency to remain calm and adhere to guidelines that will ensure a peaceful by-election.
Speaking to the media after voting today (Tuesday 3 March), Baba Jamal expressed gratitude for the smooth conduct of the by-election so far, praising the police for their role in maintaining order.
He said he had visited over 25 police stations and that the atmosphere is largely peaceful.
“The turnout understandably is a bit slow because this is largely a Muslim community, but it will pick up as the day goes on,” he said.
The by-election has coincided with the Ramadan 30-day fast.
Service, not gain
Baba Jamal encouraged Ayawaso East voters to take an active part in the by-election, urging them not to leave the decision in the hands of others.
He stressed that his motivation is service rather than personal gain.
“I am not motivated by materialistic things. I am motivated by human service, and that is why I am here to save my people,” he said.
“I’ve done it before in Akwatia [where Jamal served as a one-term MP between 2013 and 2017], and I know I will do it better in Ayawaso, insha Allah,” he said.
He also reflected on the role of faith in leadership, saying: “It is God that makes kings. My prayer is that if God chooses, He will bless me with the opportunity to lead the people of Ayawaso.”
Turning to the contest to secure the NDC ticket to stand in Ayawaso East, Baba Jamal acknowledged Mohammed Umar Sanda, a former NDC member who is featuring in today’s by-election as an independent candidate.
Ayawaso East is an NDC stronghold. It has returned NDC MPs in all nine general elections since the start of the Fourth Republic.
He described Sanda as a party stalwart but said there are differences in their approach.
After Jamal won the keenly contested primary on 7 February, Sanda announced that he would stand as an independent. The NDC revoked his party membership on 17 February.
“I welcome contests. We are all trying, and we will see what Allah will do,” Baba Jamal said.
He concluded by calling on the press to report on the by-election fairly and encouraging voters in Ayawaso East to take part in the poll throughout the day. He remains committed to a fair and peaceful election, he said.
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