Founding President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has commended the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its decision not to contest the upcoming Tamale Central by-election, describing it as a strategically sound move.
In his view, the ruling party’s choice to abstain from the race reflects political maturity and a realistic assessment of the electoral terrain.“The NPP’s decision not to field a candidate is a good one,” Cudjoe noted, suggesting that certain contests are best left untouched when the political and demographic odds are clearly stacked in one direction.
The Tamale Central seat, long considered a stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), became vacant following the resignation of the sitting MP. While political tradition often dictates that major parties compete in every by-election, Cudjoe argues that pouring resources into an unwinnable race would serve little purpose beyond symbolism.
He contends that the NPP’s move may also ease political tensions in the region, allowing the by-election to proceed without the heated rivalries that sometimes overshadow local issues. “Sometimes, knowing when not to fight is the mark of a strong competitor,” he added. The decision is likely to spark debate within political circles, as some see participation in every election as a demonstration of nationwide relevance.
But for Cudjoe, it is a pragmatic calculation—one that conserves resources and avoids unnecessary political bruising.While the NDC is expected to retain the seat with relative ease, the absence of an NPP candidate could shift the focus of the campaign to policy discussions and local development, rather than entrenched partisan battles.
