'Don't let us fire' - Policemen warn clashing supporters of NPP Walewale primary contenders

A video circulating on social media has showed police threatening supporters of two New Patriotic Party (NPP) primary candidates in Walewale, Mahama Tia Kabiru and Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu, who clashed in the town.

The incident took place on the night of Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the forecourt of Eagle FM, a local radio station in Walewale.

The physical altercation between supporters of the opposing sides caught the attention of the police, and the situation almost got out of hand.

In the video shared by 3News on its social media platform, an angry police officer was heard telling one of the agitated supporters, "Don't let us fire."

This incident followed a ruling by the Tamale High Court, presided over by Justice Richard Kogyapwah, which ordered a re-run of the NPP primary elections in Walewale.

The initial primaries held in January 2024 saw Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru narrowly defeating the incumbent Member of Parliament, Hajia Lariba Zuweratu, by a margin of 345 votes to 338.

Two other candidates, Tahiru Sham-Una and Jangdoo Mahama, received 145 and 1 votes, respectively.

However, Hajia Lariba contested the results, alleging electoral irregularities and malpractice. She filed an ex-parte motion at the Tamale High Court, seeking an injunction to prevent Dr. Kabiru from claiming victory.

The court granted the injunction in June 2024, preventing Dr. Kabiru from being declared the winner.

Despite the NPP's attempt to dismiss the challenge, citing a violation of the party's constitution by Hajia Lariba, the court's decision stood, leading to the order for a re-run of the primary.

On Monday, September 9, 2024, over 800 delegates will participate in the re-run.

See the video below:

Walewale NPP Primary: "Don't let us fire” - Angry Police officer threatens as supporters of incumbent Walewale MP Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu and supporters of contender Mahama Tia Kabiru clash#3NewsGH pic.twitter.com/nbTXlHtjaY

— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) September 8, 2024

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