The Coalition of NPP Youth Groups in the Yendi constituency has condemned recent pronouncement by a section of party members of a possible emergence of an independent parliamentary candidate for election 2024 should the party takes a decision that will not favour one of the candidates who contested the recent parliamentary primaries.

The internal contest which happened in January 2024 was peaceful until violence erupted during the counting of ballots. The Electoral Commission that supervised the election could not declare anyone as winner as the election materials including the ballot papers were destroyed in the ensuing violence. This matter has since thrown party members in confusion as both candidates claimed victory and have since been campaigning towards the main election to be held in December.

In a move to address upheavals within the NPP and to also present a united front, the Coalition, made up of various youth groups of the party in the Yendi area, On Thursday, February 23, addressed a press conference in which they articulated the collective stance of the youth groups regarding the aftermath of the parliamentary primaries.

The coalition vehemently condemned the proposition set forth by purported supporters of Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama, who threatened to field an independent candidate if the National Executive Committee (NEC) did not call for a rerun of the contentious primaries.

Even though the MASLOC CEO has since through her spokesperson, distanced herself from the group that made the pronouncement, the Coalition still believe their move was condemnable as it is divisive and affront to the longheld party principles of unity and solidarity.

Muhammed Salaam, the President of the Coalition, emphasized that while certain members within their ranks support Hajia Abibata, they collectively disapproved of the notion of an independent candidacy. Salaam underscored their allegiance to the NPP above all else, emphasizing that any divergence from party lines would result in a parting of ways.

Expressing support for the NEC’s forthcoming decision, the coalition urged all party members to respect and abide by the outcome, irrespective of its nature. They implored the NEC to expedite the communication of their decision to the public, citing the need to alleviate tensions and facilitate the commencement of election campaigns in the constituency.

The coalition appealed to those considering independent candidacies to reconsider their positions, emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity in securing victory in the upcoming 2024 elections and maintaining the Yendi Constituency as a Stronghold for the NPP.