The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) constituency executive elections in the Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti Region were disrupted on Saturday after aggrieved party members opposed the conduct of the poll, insisting it violated a court injunction.
The disgruntled members, led by the constituency organiser, Shaibu, and other delegates, argued that the election should not have proceeded because an injunction had been placed on the process.
They alleged that several delegates had their names omitted from the voters’ register, while some aspirants who picked nomination forms were disqualified without justification.
Shaibu, who is contesting for the position of First Vice Chairman, was initially disqualified by the Bantama Elections Committee but was later cleared by the NPP National Elections Committee after successfully appealing the decision.
Despite his reinstatement, his name and picture didn’t appear on the notice of poll this compelled him to place court injunction on the elections.
According to the aggrieved members, copies of the court injunction were served on the Ashanti Regional executives supervising the election, the Electoral Commission (EC), and the NPP National Elections Committee.
Sources at the polling centre said the Electoral Commission declined to supervise the election because of the pending injunction.
However, the election reportedly went ahead under the supervision of party officials without the involvement of the EC.
The election was held at the Kumasi Centre for National Culture amid heightened tension.
Upon arriving at the venue, Shaibu questioned why voting was proceeding despite the court order.
Witnesses said no satisfactory explanation was provided, triggering protests from some party members.
The confrontation escalated into chaos as angry delegates disrupted the exercise and vandalised some election materials, forcing the process to a halt.
Following the incident, Shaibu and several supporters voluntarily reported themselves to the Kumasi Central Police Station, where they were assisting police with investigations by providing statements.
The NPP leadership in the constituency and the Ashanti Regional executives are yet to officially comment on the incident, while police investigations into the disturbance are ongoing.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
