In a strategic move resonating with broader political ambitions, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership in the Ashanti Region has announced its decision to abstain from participating in the upcoming by-election for the Ejisu Constituency. Set for April 30, 2024, the by-election arises from the vacancy left by the passing of John Ampontuah Kumah, a Member of Parliament from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), on March 7, 2024.
The NDC’s choice to forgo involvement in the Ejisu by-election underscores its prioritization of resources and energies towards the ultimate prize—the general elections slated for December 7, 2024. Isham Alhassan, the Ashanti Regional Organizer of the NDC, elucidated the party’s rationale for this strategic abstention, citing concerns over resource wastage.
“We don’t want to benefit from [John Kumah’s] death. Looking at the time frame, if the Electoral Commission does not conduct the election before May, any political party who contests this election is just causing financial loss to the party,” remarked Alhassan, emphasizing the NDC’s pragmatic approach.
Alhassan, speaking on behalf of the NDC, affirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to securing victory for His Excellency John Mahama in the forthcoming December elections. With the parliamentary seat in Ejisu up for grabs, the NDC leadership maintains that their focus remains steadfastly fixed on vigorous preparation for the crucial December contest.
“I am speaking on authority that the NDC will not contest this by-election. We are winning the election for His Excellency John Mahama, so any preparation that we have is geared towards the December election, and that is our focus,” declared Alhassan, signaling the party’s strategic stance.
As the by-election date approaches, political dynamics in the Ejisu Constituency are poised for an intriguing twist with the absence of NDC participation. With both major parties positioning themselves for electoral supremacy, the forthcoming by-election will serve as a litmus test of political strength and strategic maneuvering in the run-up to the pivotal December polls.
As the nation anticipates the unfolding political drama, the NDC’s strategic abstention from the Ejisu by-election sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown in December, where political fortunes hang in the balance, and the voice of the electorate will ultimately decide the nation’s trajectory.