The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has firmly declared its intention to contest the Ayawaso East by-election, brushing aside calls for it to stay away and expressing confidence in victory.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua said the party sees no justification for withdrawing from a constitutionally mandated election.

“I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t go for the election,” he stated bluntly.

His comments follow remarks by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ayawaso East, Abdul-Ganiyu Ibrahim, who suggested that the NPP should refrain from contesting as a sign of respect to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) following the death of the sitting MP.

Mr. Kodua rejected that argument outright, describing it as double standards.

“It is rather unfortunate to hear such statements,” he said. “Why shouldn’t we go for elections? Your MP has passed away, and you are telling us not to contest? I am very surprised by that.”

The NPP General Secretary reminded listeners that political courtesy has never overridden electoral competition in the past.
“When our MP, Ernest Kumi, passed away, the NDC came to contest the Akwatia by-election. So what has changed now?” he questioned.

The Ayawaso East seat became vacant following the death of Hon. Naser Toure Mahama, a four-term NDC Member of Parliament, who passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, after a short illness.

Mr. Kodua stressed that the decision to contest has nothing to do with fear or confidence levels.

“This is not about whether we will win or not. We are going for the elections, and they should not assume otherwise,” he said.

According to him, the NPP has already activated its internal processes, including a candidate search, and will take part fully in the by-election.
“We are going to test our popularity, and we will go for the elections,” he concluded.

The declaration sets the stage for a keenly watched political contest in Ayawaso East, as both major parties prepare for a by-election that is likely to carry national political significance.