The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Bimbila Constituency of the Northern Region has suffered a major setback following the defection of 110 of its members to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The defectors, drawn from the Gundo and Bincheretanga Electoral Areas, cited what they described as years of neglect, unfulfilled promises and a feeling of being used and abandoned by the NDC as reasons for their decision to leave the party.
According to the defectors, the challenges confronting residents in the two electoral areas, particularly farmers, have persisted despite the communities’ longstanding support for the NDC.
They specifically pointed to difficulties in farming activities and the lack of reliable and ready markets for farm produce, which they said had negatively affected the livelihoods of residents.
The Gundo and Bincheretanga Electoral Areas have traditionally been regarded as strongholds of the NDC, having supported the party consistently since 1996.
However, the defectors argued that the level of development in the two communities over the years had not matched their expectations, particularly under successive NDC administrations.
They therefore said their decision to join the NPP was motivated by a desire for what they described as a new political direction and better opportunities for their communities.
The development could have implications for the political fortunes of the two parties in the constituency ahead of the 2028 general elections, particularly if the NPP succeeds in attracting more NDC supporters in the area.
The defectors were formally welcomed into the NPP at a ceremony held in the affected communities.
The Bimbila Constituency Chairman of the NPP, Alhaji Abdulai Yakubu, together with other constituency executives, received the new members into the party.
Alhaji Yakubu commended the defectors for what he described as their bold decision to join the NPP.
He assured them of their place in the party and argued that the NPP remained the better political alternative for the people.
Spokesperson for the defectors, Hon. Likpajaal Oyinbidaa, told Media that their decision to leave the NDC was final.
He said the group had become increasingly dissatisfied with what they perceived as decades of neglect and broken promises.
According to him, the defectors had supported the NDC for about 30 years but felt that their loyalty had not translated into the level of development and economic opportunities they expected.
“We have left the NDC for good,” he said, stressing that the group had no intention of returning to the party.
Mr Oyinbidaa further predicted that the impact of the defection would be reflected in the voting pattern of the Gundo and Bincheretanga Electoral Areas during the 2028 general elections.
He said the defectors would work to persuade other residents and NDC supporters to reconsider their political allegiance.
Meanwhile, the NPP Communications Officer for the Gundo Electoral Area, Hon. Balikankiya Bijoma, said the party would capitalise on the development to intensify its grassroots mobilisation.
He said he would work closely with the new members to reach out to more NDC supporters and encourage them to join the NPP.
Mr Bijoma expressed confidence that the latest development could trigger further defections in the electoral area.
He said the NPP would work to strengthen its structures and expand its support base in Gundo ahead of the next general election.
The latest defections add a new dimension to the political contest in the Bimbila Constituency, where the NDC has traditionally enjoyed significant support.
The development also sets the stage for increased grassroots political activity as both parties seek to consolidate their positions and attract undecided voters ahead of the 2028 elections.
Source: The Voiceless Media
