NDC rejects virtual vetting request by widow of late Ayawaso East MP
28th January 2026
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declined a request by Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Ayawaso East Member of Parliament, Nasser Toure Mahama, to undergo virtual vetting ahead of the party’s parliamentary primaries.
The request, submitted on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by representatives of Hajia Amina, was based on her mourning period and the observance of Islamic widowhood rites.
However, the party leadership maintained that all aspirants are required to appear in person for the vetting process.
Speaking to TV3, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections, Rashid Tanko Computer, said the party’s policy on virtual vetting has remained consistent.
“The leadership received the request and deliberated on it thoroughly. But our position has always been clear — virtual vetting is only permitted for candidates who are outside the country and genuinely unable to return for the exercise,” he explained.
He stressed that no aspirant currently in Ghana has ever been granted such a privilege.
“All candidates within the country are denied that opportunity. We have never done it before, and we don’t intend to start now,” he said.
Mr Tanko added that granting the request could set a precedent that might complicate future party processes.
“We do not want to create a situation where others will point to this decision and demand similar concessions,” he noted.
Vetting for the five aspirants contesting the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The NDC has scheduled its parliamentary primary for February 7, 2026, while the Electoral Commission has fixed March 3, 2026, for the by-election in the constituency.