There is growing tension within the Upper East Regional branch of the NPP over alleged irregularities and foul play in the just-ended Regional Youth Organizer election process.

According to party faithfuls, the controversy started when two persons picked nomination forms to contest the Regional Youth Organizer position. One was Mr. Akumbo Awintariba Samuel known as Wakiki from the Kusaug belt and the other was Mr. Jonathan Abugre Amaltinga from the Bongo area of the Upper East Region.

The Regional Election Committee initially disqualified Wakiki on grounds that he was above the required age to contest.

Wakiki appealed, and the National Appeals Committee cleared him to contest, ruling that he met the age requirement.

However, to the surprise of many, the Upper East Regional Election Committee later announced that both Wakiki and Jonathan had been disqualified and could not run for the position.

Following the disqualification, the committee reportedly re-opened nominations for just one hour. During that window, Mr. Bashiru Akparibo picked a nomination form.

Mr. Akparibo alleged that he was in the party office to submit his form before 2:00pm but no one was present to receive it. He said he had to call executives before they came to receive his form.

All other aspirants were vetted in person. But party members say Mr. Bashiru Akparibo was vetted via Zoom by the Regional Election Committee — a situation that has confused many party faithfuls.

Later, Mr. Akparibu received a letter disqualifying him for allegedly picking his form after the 2:00pm deadline. The letter stated he picked his form at 2:04pm.

What has angered the youth further is the case of the incumbent Regional Youth Organizer, Mr. Salau-ddeen Musah.

According to the youth, Mr. Musah had earlier picked a form, was vetted and given number 1 to contest for Regional Secretary. But after the two Youth Organizer aspirants were disqualified, it was alleged that, he allegedly picked another form during the one-hour window and has now been cleared to go unopposed as Regional Youth Organizer.

“This is not fair. How can someone contest for Secretary, then turn around and contest for Youth Organizer in the same election and be cleared, while others are disqualified over minutes and Zoom vetting?”

The development has not gone down well with party members in the Upper East. They say they are threatening to hit the streets if urgent steps are not taken to address the matter.

They are calling on the Regional Executive Committee and the National Leadership of the NPP to intervene immediately and ensure that the right thing is done to protect the integrity of the party in the Upper East region as the prepares for 2028 general election.

Story by: Iddrisu Kassim