Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, August 12, Dr Kissi explained that the NPP’s internal assessment showed the seat — a long-time National Democratic Congress (NDC) stronghold — was virtually unwinnable, making it impractical to invest resources in the race.

“This is not necessarily about the death,” he said. “The numbers for Tamale Central are not favourable. From history, it has always been NDC territory, and it will remain so. You choose your battles, and the NPP has chosen theirs. This is not a favour but a pragmatic decision — and in all of this, the future matters.”

His remarks differ from the NPP’s official explanation, which framed the decision as a sign of respect for the late MP, Alhaji Dr Murtala Muhammed, and as part of the national mourning period following the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.

Dr Muhammed’s death in the Adansi Akrofuom crash triggered a constitutional requirement for a by-election in Tamale Central, as stipulated in Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution.

According to a party statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the decision not to contest was agreed upon at a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the party’s national headquarters.

source: myjoyonline