The New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election, Baba Ali Yusif, has declared his mission to flip the constituency and secure the seat for the NPP for the first time.
Expressing unwavering confidence ahead of the March 3 polls, Yusif stated he is determined to win by an overwhelming margin to succeed the late Member of Parliament.
The Ayawaso East constituency has been a fortress for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) since 1992, with the party maintaining a consistent, though sometimes narrowing, majority in every general election.
The by-election was triggered by the passing of the incumbent MP, Mahama Naser Toure, in January 2026.
Speaking at a public forum organized by the Concerned Nima Citizens Foundation, Yusif argued that his deep-rooted ties to the community give him a decisive edge over his competitors.
”Every election comes with different dynamics,” Yusif remarked. “Despite this being an NDC stronghold, I am positive we will pull off a surprise on March 3.”
To support his claim, he pointed to shifts in other constituencies.
“The NDC had never won the Dome-Kwabenya seat, losing it by over 20,000 votes in the past, yet they won it in the last election and that shows that every election has its own pulse.
We are capitalizing on the ground reality to win this seat for the NPP for the first time.”
Yusif’s campaign centers on the perceived failure of previous NDC representatives, maintaining that his resonance with local issues signals an appetite for change.
He stated that his primary focus will be human development, aiming to make the youth self-sufficient through access to quality education.
He is also targeting skills training for the youth through entrepreneurship programs, coupled with basic computer literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) training as part of his youth empowerment initiatives.
Addressing concerns regarding security, Yusif dismissed labels of Nima being “chaotic,” noting that the Nima has a long record of peaceful elections.
All five candidates on the ballot attended the forum, each pledging to uphold the peace before, during, and after the polls.
Awalu Angulu Awudu Agbaadzenna, an executive member of the Concerned Nima Citizens Foundation, reminded the candidates that the community’s support comes with strings attached.
Awalu Angulu Awudu Agbaadzenna, Executive Member of the Concerned Nima Citizens Foundation
“The platform was not just for campaigning, but for establishing a record of service,” Agbaadzenna remarked.
“The people of Nima will hold the winner accountable to the promises made here today.”
By 1960news.com
