Hajia Abibata Zakariah, an aspiring parliamentary candidate for the Yendi Constituency, expressed her surprise and sadness at the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to declare her opponent, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama, as the official candidate for the 2024 parliamentary elections.
The NEC reached concensus to allow the incumbent MP to go unchallenged in a meeting in Accra on Tuesday, April 9.
This decision came at the back of a controversial constituency primary election which resulted in disagreements.
But despite her strong disagreement with the decision, Hajia Abibata Zakariah emphasized her respect for the party’s leadership, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, as well as all well-meaning members of the party.
“I strongly disagree with this decision but in the supreme interest of the Party, the President of the Republic, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the Presidential Candidate of the party H. E. Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, and all well-meaning members of our esteemed party, I respect the party’s decision”
Hajia Abibata Zakariah highlighted concerns regarding fairness and the adherence to the rule of natural justice in the party’s decision-making process, asserting that she was not treated fairly.
She acknowledged the overwhelming support she received from the delegates and constituents during the parliamentary elections held on January 27, 2024, which were unfortunately marred by infractions and electoral malpractices.
“Let me state for the records that l was not treated fairly, and the Party did not follow the rule of natural Justice. That said, I remain thankful to the delegates and good people of Yendi for the massive support and love they showed me on the 27th of January 2024 parliamentary elections, which was unfortunately marred by infractions and electoral malpractices”
Even at the face of all the disappointment, she urged her campaign team members, supporters, and sympathizers to accept the party’s decision and extend their support to the new candidate selected by the NEC.
“I urge my Campaign team members, supporters, and sympathizers to agree with the decision of the Party and together we wish the new candidate the best of luck in the 2024 elections”
I would avail myself for any task that would be assigned to me to ensure that the NPP wins both the Presidential and Parliamentary contest in the Yendi constituency during the 2024 elections, Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah assured.
By: Bright Yao Dzakah | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
