The Director of Elections and Research of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Evans Nimako, has dismissed criticisms from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following the Ayawaso East by-election, insisting that the opposition has no right to dictate the NPP’s electoral strategy.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, Mr. Nimako said while the NDC may celebrate its victory, it lacks the moral authority to advise the NPP on how to organise itself politically.
“It doesn’t lie in their mouth to tell us what we have to do strategically or otherwise. The New Patriotic Party, at any point in time, has its strategy that will go into any election,” he stated.
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His comments follow the NPP’s defeat in the Ayawaso East by-election on Tuesday, where the NDC candidate, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, won with 10,884 votes.
The NPP’s candidate, Yusif Ali Baba, polled 4,009 votes to place second in a five-candidate race.
Results at a Glance:
Baba Jamal Ahmed – 10,884
Ibrahim Iddrisu – 43
Yusif Ali Baba – 4,009
Mohammed Umar Sanda – 1,885
David Kanor – 104
Valid votes: 16,928
Rejected votes: 120
Total votes cast: 17,048
Following the outcome, political scientist Kwame Asah-Asante of the University of Ghana urged the NPP to rethink its strategy in the Ayawaso East constituency.
However, Mr. Nimako maintained that electoral outcomes must be analysed within the broader political dynamics of constituencies.
“If you know constituencies and their dynamics, you will not raise too many issues. In all the 276 constituencies, there are strongholds, swing areas and balanced seats. No one party has been able to win all seats in any election,” he explained.
He further likened post-election criticisms to reactions after a battle, noting that public commentary is inevitable after every contest.
“When you have gone to war and you come back, you will hear all sorts of things,” he said.
Mr. Nimako stressed that the NPP remains focused on internal assessment rather than external criticism, adding that the party is grateful to constituents who supported its candidate.
“We are thankful to the constituents. We know what we have to do in the next elections, and we will continue to engage the people,” he assured.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to strengthening its structures and deepening voter engagement ahead of future elections.