The National Democratic Congress has elected Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed as its parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East Constituency ahead of the March 3 by-election.

Mr Jamal, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, emerged winner after a closely contested primary held on February 7, 2026.

Provisional results released at the end of voting showed Mr Jamal polling 431 votes to beat Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Member of Parliament Naser Toure, who secured 399 votes. The NDC Constituency Chairman, Mohammed Ramne, placed third with 88 votes, while Dr Yakubu Azindow polled 45 votes. Najib Mohammed Sani received one vote.

More than 1,100 accredited delegates from across the constituency participated in the primary, underscoring the significance of the contest in a constituency regarded as a stronghold of the governing party.

Five aspirants contested the race, namely Baba Jamal, Hajia Amina Adam, Dr Yakubu Azindow, Mohammed Ramne and Najib Mohammed Sani. Although the contest was initially considered wide open, it later narrowed into a tight three-horse race involving Mr Jamal, Hajia Adam and Dr Azindow.

The election, however, was overshadowed by allegations of inducement and vote buying. Reports surfaced both ahead of the polls and on voting day alleging that some delegates were offered cash, television sets and motorbikes in exchange for support. Videos circulated on social media showed delegates leaving polling centres with electronic items and other valuables.

In a statement issued later on Friday, the NDC said its national leadership had taken note of what it described as widespread inducement and vote buying allegedly involving some aspirants.

The party condemned the alleged acts, describing them as contrary to its core values, and announced that investigations had been launched. It warned that sanctions would be applied against any individual found culpable and indicated that future elections could be annulled under similar circumstances.

With the primary concluded, Baba Jamal is expected to lead the NDC into the March 3 parliamentary by-election as the party seeks to retain the Ayawaso East seat.