High Court ruling sparks angry demonstration in Kpandai

The Commercial Division of the Tamale High Court’s ruling directing a rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary elections has sparked strong reactions among New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth in the constituency.

The decision, which followed an election petition challenging the 2024 results, has been met with disappointment and anger from supporters of the incumbent MP,  Mathew Nyindam.

Many of the youth argue that the court failed to consider what they describe as the overwhelming support shown for Nyindam during the polls. They believe the ruling undermines the mandate freely given by the people of Kpandai.

The protesting youth insist that Mathew Nyindam won the elections with a clear and convincing margin, making the order for a rerun unnecessary and politically motivated.

According to them, the results announced by the Electoral Commission reflected the will of the voters, and any attempt to overturn that outcome is unacceptable.

Some protest leaders accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of pushing for the rerun simply because they could not accept defeat.

In registering their displeasure, the NPP youth embarked on a massive street protest through the major streets of Kpandai.

Dressed in party colours and holding placards with inscriptions such as “Respect Our Votes” and “Nyindam Won Legitimately,” the demonstrators chanted slogans to express their frustration.

The protest, which attracted large numbers of young people, temporarily disrupted commercial activities in parts of the town. The chanting and vigorous atmosphere reflected the level of disappointment within the NPP base over the court’s directive.

The Kpandai youth organizer of the NPP Joseph Laado expressed concerns that the ruling has the potential to heighten political tension in the constituency if not handled properly. He appealed to national authorities, including the leadership of the NPP,  to intervene and ensure that the will of the people is protected.

According to him ordering a rerun without what they consider compelling evidence of electoral malpractice sets a dangerous precedent.

Reporting by Baba Kamil Mohammed Northern Region