In a fierce display of political rivalry, social media activists of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have ignited a heated debate, questioning the political potency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Northern Region.
The Northern Region, once a stronghold for the NDC, has seen a shift in political dynamics since the NPP introduced Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as its running mate. The NPP socialites argue that the NDC’s influence and popularity in the region have been dwindling ever since Bawumia’s entrance into NPP politics. They point to the 2022 parliamentary elections, where the NPP and NDC each won nine of the eighteen seats, as evidence of this changing political landscape.
The latest controversy stems from the recently launched NDC campaign at Jubilee Park in Tamale, the Northern Regional Capital, marking the beginning of their efforts to recapture power. Despite the energetic speeches, policy outlines, and displays of support at the event, NPP activists were quick to criticize the turnout, claiming it was poorly attended.
Comparisons have been drawn between the NDC’s national campaign launch in Tamale and a constituency rally held by the NPP at Yabaga Kabori. One NPP supporter shared a picture of minibusses, suggesting that the NDC had to bus in supporters to inflate their numbers. “Evidence base detected… NDC campaign launch. You can’t beat Dr Bawumia’s organic support with this hired artificial support,” read the caption.
Tonto, a political aide to the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, accused the NDC of changing the venue for their campaign launch due to Bawumia’s inroads in the North. He alleged that the NDC had resorted to busing people to the launch in Tamale to boost their crowd size.
In response, Mohammed Sorrogho of the NPP highlighted the stark contrast between the NDC’s national campaign launch and the NPP’s youth rally in Yagaba Kabori. “NDC ‘National campaign’ launch against Yagaba Kabori NPP’s youth connect. Thus, 16 regions against one constituency. Do the Maths,” he commented.
However, not everyone agrees with the NPP’s assessment. Josfin Akoene, an NDC supporter, fired back, saying, “TAMALE on fire. Note we didn’t rent crowd like the NPP do. The love for our party is real.”
Social media is abuzz with this crowd war, as both parties vie for dominance in the Northern Region. The debate continues, with each side claiming victory in the battle for public support. As the 2024 elections approach, the political landscape in the Northern Region remains a hotly contested arena, with both the NPP and NDC determined to prove their strength and influence.
About The Author
