Accra, August 11, 2025 —
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally announced that it will not participate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election to replace the late Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who died in the August 6 helicopter crash alongside seven other citizens while serving the nation.
The decision was taken at the party’s National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, in Accra, in line with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution.
In its statement, the NPP explained that the decision was informed by the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant and the possibility of a further polarisation of the country at this critical time.”
The party stressed that engaging in a competitive by-election at this moment would be “inhumane and unconscionable.”
“The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided,” the statement noted.
The NPP maintained that the greatest honour to the late Dr. Murtala Mohammed and his fellow victims was not in winning political contests but in working towards unity and peace.
“The greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed is not only to win the fight against galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central,” the party stated.
Consequently, the NPP has declared that when the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, it will refrain from fielding a candidate, describing the move as being “in accord with the national interest.”
General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong signed the statement, underscoring the party’s position that in moments of national grief, unity must outweigh partisanship.
