Godfred Apasinaba Wumbei, known as Yellow Man within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been elected as the party's new Northern Regional Chairman, securing 328 votes in the regional executive election. His closest rival, Alhaji Tanko Maida, garnered 236 votes, while Abdul-Hamid Alhassan Gbewaa received 27 votes. The position became vacant after the incumbent chairman chose not to seek re-election. Wumbei's victory marks a significant development in the NDC's regional restructuring efforts.
However, Wumbei's win has been overshadowed by unverified claims of vote buying. According to reports, 18 pickup vehicles were allegedly distributed to the 18 constituencies in the Northern Region on the night of November 13, ahead of the election. The vehicles were reportedly intended to influence delegates to vote for Wumbei. Although these claims have not been independently verified, they have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
The NDC's Northern Regional election was part of a broader exercise to restructure the party's regional executive ranks. On the same day, the party held elections in Ashanti and Oti regions. In Ashanti, over 1,000 security personnel were deployed to ensure a peaceful voting process at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. This move was likely aimed at preventing a repeat of the disputes that marred the Northeast Regional election.
The Northeast Regional election had drawn significant attention due to legal disputes that led to the deployment of 200 unarmed police officers to Nalerigu Senior High School. The NDC is currently undergoing a national-level leadership transition, with four aspirants vying to succeed Johnson Asiedu Nketiah as National Chairman. For the first time in 21 years, the race will be contested without Asiedu Nketiah, also known as 'General Mosquito'.
The national executive polls are scheduled for December 19, 2026. Some national positions, including those held by Fifi Kwetey, Joseph Yameen, and Ako Gunn, were filled without a contest as no rival candidates filed. The NDC's efforts to restructure its regional and national leadership come at a critical time, as the party prepares for future elections.
In other election results, Sadick Mohammed was elected as the party's Vice Chairman, securing 254 votes to beat Adam Alhassan, who received 157 votes. The elections for Secretary, Treasurer, and Organiser positions also saw narrower margins between candidates. The party's efforts to ensure a smooth transition and address internal disputes will be crucial in its preparations for upcoming elections.
The NDC's national-level leadership transition is being closely watched, as the party seeks to strengthen its position ahead of future elections. With the regional elections completed, the party can now focus on its national executive polls and finalizing its leadership structure. The outcome of these elections will likely have a significant impact on the party's performance in future elections.
Key points
- Godfred Apasinaba Wumbei was elected as the NDC's Northern Regional Chairman with 328 votes.
- Allegations of vote buying with pickup trucks have surfaced, but have not been independently verified.
- The NDC is undergoing a broader restructuring exercise across its regional executive ranks.
