The Majority Caucus in Parliament aligned with the National Democratic Congress has called for the cancellation of the recent Ayawaso East parliamentary primary, citing serious allegations of vote buying and electoral misconduct.
In a statement dated February 8, 2026, and signed by Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business Mahama Ayariga, the caucus said the reported incidents undermine the party’s commitment to political integrity and democratic accountability.
According to the statement, caucus members reviewed widely circulated reports alleging inducement of delegates during the constituency primary. They described the alleged actions as inconsistent with the NDC’s broader objective of resetting Ghana’s political culture and strengthening public trust in internal party processes.
After what it called extensive consultations among its core and extended leadership, the caucus resolved to petition the party’s Functional Executive Committee with two main requests. First, it wants the Ayawaso East primary annulled. Second, it is urging the party to bar any candidate found to have engaged in vote buying from participating in any rerun of the election.
In response to the controversy, the NDC has set up a three member investigative committee to examine the allegations. The committee is chaired by former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, with Mahama Ayariga and private legal practitioner Emefa Fugah serving as members. The committee is expected to submit its report by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Party officials say the investigation is part of efforts to protect internal democracy, promote transparency and enforce ethical conduct in party elections. The committee is also tasked with recommending sanctions where necessary and proposing long term reforms to curb inducement in internal contests.
The dispute surrounding the Ayawaso East primary escalated after reports indicated that some delegates allegedly received items such as 32 inch television sets and boiled eggs during the voting process. Photos and firsthand accounts of the alleged inducements spread widely on social media, sparking public debate and concern within the party.
The fallout has also reached the diplomatic front. President John Dramani Mahama has recalled Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed from his role as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria following the allegations connected to the primary.
The Majority Caucus maintains that preserving credibility in party primaries is essential to strengthening the country’s democratic system and says it will continue to press for corrective action.