President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed confidence in New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Matthew Nyindam ahead of the Kpandai parliamentary rerun, saying he hopes the former legislator retains the seat.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, December 13, Mr Cudjoe argued that the decision to rerun the election resulted from administrative lapses by the Electoral Commission (EC), rather than any proven wrongdoing by the candidates who contested the 2024 polls.
According to him, the dispute over the Kpandai results largely stemmed from weaknesses in the collation process, for which the EC must take responsibility.
“The collation issues tell me clearly that the problem lies with the Electoral Commission. The fact that these things were allowed to happen means the EC should be chastised,” he stated.
Mr Cudjoe said he was particularly concerned about the impact of the rerun on Mr Nyindam, whom he believes legitimately won the initial election.
“I feel very uncomfortable with how this has played out. It is unfair to the candidate who won, and I genuinely hope he wins again,” he said.
He also questioned the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) decision to pursue the matter, suggesting it formed part of a broader strategy to increase its numbers in Parliament.
“I honestly don’t understand where the NDC wants to take all these majority seats to. It almost feels like a ‘buy one, get one free’ approach,” he remarked.
The Kpandai rerun was ordered by the Tamale High Court following a petition filed by the NDC’s candidate, Nsala Wakpal, who challenged the validity of the 2024 parliamentary results.
The court ruled that the final collation was conducted without the presence of the NDC candidate or a recognised agent. As a result, Parliament declared the seat vacant, and the Electoral Commission fixed the rerun for Tuesday, December 30.
