Overview
The Majority Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament has called for the immediate annulment of the party’s parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East constituency. This follows allegations of vote-buying and inducement during the exercise, which the caucus says undermines the credibility of the party’s internal democratic processes.
Key Details
Date of Statement: February 8, 2026
Signatory: Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament
Reason: Widely circulated allegations of vote-buying in the just-ended primary.
Resolution: After deliberations among core and extended leadership, the caucus resolved to formally communicate its position to the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee.
Caucus Position
The Majority Caucus strongly condemned the alleged malpractice, describing it as contrary to the NDC’s agenda to reset Ghana’s politics.
It called for the cancellation of the Ayawaso East primary and the disqualification of candidates found to have engaged in vote-buying.
Wider Context
The allegations have sparked broader debate about ethical conduct in Ghanaian politics.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has reportedly launched investigations into the matter, further intensifying scrutiny.
The controversy comes at a time when the NDC is positioning itself as a party committed to transparency and integrity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Analysis
The Majority Caucus’s call for annulment is significant because it reflects internal accountability pressures within the NDC. By openly condemning vote-buying, the caucus signals a desire to uphold credibility and fairness in party primaries. However, the move also risks deepening factional tensions within the party, especially if candidates are disqualified.
This incident underscores the persistent challenge of electoral malpractice in Ghana, where allegations of inducement often overshadow democratic processes. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how political parties handle internal disputes and enforce ethical standards.
Conclusion
The Majority Caucus’s demand for annulment of the Ayawaso East primary highlights the growing insistence on integrity in Ghana’s political landscape. Whether the NDC leadership acts on this call will determine not only the credibility of its internal processes but also its broader image as a party committed to resetting the nation’s politics.
