Abdul Nasir Saani, popularly known as Chairman Bunas, has filed his nomination to seek a third term as Upper West Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), setting the stage for another contest over the leadership of the party in the region.
Mr Saani announced the filing in a Facebook post on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, saying he was seeking re-election to consolidate the party’s achievements and strengthen its structures ahead of future electoral contests.
“I am pleased to inform you that I successfully filed my nomination form yesterday, 14th October 2026, to seek re-election as your Regional Chairman,” he wrote.
His bid comes after eight years at the helm of the NDC’s regional administration, having first won the position in September 2018 before securing a second term in November 2022.
The contest will test his record of leadership as the party prepares for its next electoral cycle, with the 2028 general election expected to be a major consideration in the regional organisation’s priorities.
2024 electoral sweep in focus
One of the defining developments of Mr Saani’s current tenure was the NDC’s capture of all 11 parliamentary seats in the Upper West Region in the December 2024 general election.
The party entered the election with eight seats, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held the remaining three in Nandom, Lambussie and Sissala East.
In August 2024, the NDC launched its “Operation 11-11” campaign, setting an explicit target of winning every parliamentary constituency in the region. The party subsequently achieved that objective, reclaiming the three seats previously held by the NPP.
The outcome marked a significant change in the region’s parliamentary representation and provided an important electoral milestone for the party’s regional leadership. However, the result also reflected the collective work of parliamentary candidates, constituency executives, campaign teams and party supporters.
Mr Saani has said he wants to build on the party’s gains and secure further victories.
In his nomination announcement, he said his ambition was to “continue and consolidate the good work we started together”.
“As we enter this next phase, I look forward to working closely with each and every one of you to consolidate our gains, strengthen our party, and secure a resounding victory for the NDC and the Upper West Region,” he added.
A third contest after two victories
Mr Saani’s first regional chairmanship victory came in September 2018, when he defeated incumbent Matthew Sung-Aabo, popularly known as Matco, by 307 votes to 81.
He retained the position in November 2022, polling 227 votes against 157 for his challenger, Alhaji Alhassan Adams Randy, according to reports on the regional elections.
His latest nomination therefore marks an attempt to extend his leadership beyond the two terms he has already served.
In March 2025, Mr Saani was also reported to have been elected treasurer of the NDC Regional Chairmen’s Caucus, adding another party-level responsibility to his regional leadership role.
Party elections underway
The nomination filing comes as the NDC implements its timetable for the 2026 constituency, regional and national executive elections.
Under the party’s published timetable, regional nomination filing is scheduled for October 14 and 15, with vetting set for October 16 and 17. The regional elections are scheduled for October 24 and 25.
The process will determine the party’s regional leadership as it works to maintain its organisational structures and prepare for the next general election.
Mr Saani expressed gratitude to delegates and party faithful for their support, saying their prayers, encouragement and confidence had brought him this far.
“I remain your humble servant,” he wrote, appealing for continued cooperation as the party enters the next phase of its internal electoral process.
His nomination formalises his bid for another term, with the regional elections set to determine who will lead the NDC in the Upper West Region through the next phase of the party’s political organisation.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
