The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed Obuasi Senior High Technical School SHTS head teacher, Mr Zakaria Abdulai to step aside from his candidature in the Juaben Constituency in the Ashanti Region to allow for an unhindered investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
The directive, announced in a press release issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, follows further consideration by the party of the matter concerning Mr Abdulai’s candidature.
According to the NDC, the decision was taken in the overriding interest of transparency and accountability and is intended to allow the police to investigate the matter without obstruction.
The latest development marks a revision of the party’s position following an earlier press release dated October 19, 2026, on the same subject.
In the statement signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC explained that the decision should not be interpreted as a determination of the merits of the allegations against Mr Abdulai.
The party stressed that he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence while the investigation proceeds.
The NDC said its decision was taken in good faith and was intended to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability in handling the matter.
It also expressed confidence in the ability of the CID to conduct a thorough, fair and expeditious investigation.
The party indicated that it would be guided by the outcome of the police investigation, although the statement did not provide further details about the allegations against Mr Abdulai or the specific circumstances that prompted the directive.
The decision places the immediate focus on the police investigation as the party seeks to address the matter surrounding its candidate in the Juaben Constituency.
As part of the directive, the NDC has instructed the Ashanti Regional Election Committee and the Juaben Constituency Election Committee to take note of the decision and act accordingly.
The instruction is expected to guide the two election committees in implementing the FEC’s position on Mr Abdulai’s candidature.
However, the party’s statement did not specify the duration of the step-aside directive or outline any further arrangements concerning the candidature while the investigation remains pending.
The NDC’s statement underscored the distinction between stepping aside to facilitate an investigation and a determination of guilt.
By maintaining that Mr Abdulai remains entitled to the presumption of innocence, the party indicated that its decision should not be treated as a conclusion on the allegations against him.
The outcome of the CID investigation is therefore expected to be significant in determining the next steps in the matter.
The party has called for a thorough and impartial investigation and said it will be guided by the outcome.
The development comes as the NDC addresses an issue involving its candidature in Juaben, with the party’s national leadership directing its regional and constituency election structures to comply with the latest decision.
By 1960news.com
