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NDC Confident of Victory in Kpandai Re-run: Tanko-Computer Analysis

Introduction

The political atmosphere in Ghana’s Kpandai constituency remains charged following recent judicial pronouncements regarding the parliamentary election results. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed unwavering optimism about securing the seat in an upcoming re-run. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the Deputy Director of Elections and Information Technology for the NDC, has publicly declared that the party is poised to win the Kpandai re-run. This confidence follows the Supreme Court’s decision to defer its final ruling on the matter to January 28, a move that has kept the constituency’s political future on hold. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the situation, the legal background, and what the potential re-run means for the parliamentary seat.

Key Points

Background

To understand the current tension in Kpandai, one must look back at the initial parliamentary election results. The seat was fiercely contested between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The Initial Declaration

Following the general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared the NPP candidate, Nyindam, as the winner. He secured 27,647 votes, representing 53.47% of the valid votes cast. His closest rival, the NDC’s Wakpal, garnered 24,213 votes, which accounted for 46.33%. This narrow margin of victory set the stage for a contentious post-election period.

The High Court Intervention

The NDC challenged the results at the Tamale High Court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Plange Brew. The core of the petition was the allegation of “pervasive irregularities” across 41 different polling stations. The court agreed that these discrepancies were significant enough to cast doubt on the integrity of the final outcome. Consequently, the High Court annulled the declared results, effectively vacating the seat and ordering a re-run.

Supreme Court Stay of Execution

The NPP, seeking to prevent the re-run, filed an appeal at the Supreme Court. On December 16, 2025, the apex court granted a stay of execution. This legal mechanism temporarily halted the Electoral Commission’s preparations for the re-run, which had initially been scheduled for December 30, 2025. The stay ensures that the status quo is maintained until the Supreme Court hears and determines the substantive appeal.

Analysis

The current situation in Kpandai represents a classic intersection of electoral politics and judicial oversight. Rashid Tanko-Computer’s statements reflect a strategic political posture designed to maintain morale among the party base while projecting confidence to the electorate.

Tanko-Computer’s Metaphor and Strategy

In his address to the press, Tanko-Computer utilized a vivid metaphor to describe the opposition’s legal maneuvers: “Do you go to the Sahara Desert to fish? No. You don’t send nets to the Sahara Desert for fishing.” This analogy suggests that the NDC views the NPP’s legal appeal as a futile exercise—undertaken in a hostile environment (the courts) where success is unlikely. By framing the legal battle this way, he aims to convince supporters that the judiciary will ultimately validate the High Court’s decision to annul the results.

The Importance of the January 28 Date

The Supreme Court’s decision to defer the ruling to January 28 is significant. In the context of Ghanaian election dispute resolution, timing is critical. A deferral keeps the constituency in a state of limbo. However, for the NDC, this delay provides additional time to organize. Tanko-Computer noted, “We are even urging our supporters to continue the campaign.” This indicates that the NDC is not waiting for a final verdict before engaging voters, recognizing that momentum is key in parliamentary by-elections.

Accusations of “Backdoor” Tactics

Tanko-Computer’s accusation that opposition actors are using “backdoor” ways to secure their position is a serious charge. In political discourse, this typically implies using legal technicalities or administrative maneuvers to bypass the will of the voters, rather than winning through popular support. The NDC narrative is clear: they believe the High Court found genuine faults, and any attempt to overturn that judgment without addressing the irregularities is undemocratic.

Practical Advice

For voters, political observers, and stakeholders in the Kpandai constituency, the current period requires patience and vigilance.

For Voters and Supporters

Stay Informed via Official Channels: With high stakes and active campaigning, misinformation can spread rapidly. Supporters of both parties should rely on verified statements from the Electoral Commission and the courts rather than unconfirmed rumors on social media.

Prepare for a Re-run: Even though the Supreme Court has not ruled, the possibility of a re-run remains high. Voters should ensure their registration details are intact and be ready to vote again should the EC issue a new date.

For Political Stakeholders

Maintain Peace: The rhetoric from both sides is heating up. It is essential for party leadership to manage their supporters to prevent violence or intimidation, particularly if the re-run is eventually ordered.

Documentary Evidence: Both parties should ensure they have solid documentary evidence for their claims, whether regarding the alleged irregularities or the defense of the original results. The Supreme Court’s final decision will likely hinge on technical legal arguments and evidential standards.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Kpandai parliamentary seat remains one of the most closely watched political battlegrounds in Ghana. Rashid Tanko-Computer’s confidence suggests that the NDC is preparing for a vigorous campaign trail, viewing the Supreme Court’s deferral as a precursor to a favorable outcome. However, the legal fate of the constituency rests on the January 28 ruling. Until then, the political tension is likely to remain high. Regardless of the judicial outcome, the emphasis must be on upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the final result reflects the democratic will of the people of Kpandai.