The Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah, has called for calm following the chaos that marred the NPP parliamentary primaries in Yendi.
It will be recalled that the parliamentary contest, held on January 27, 2024, witnessed disruptions during the counting process between the incumbent MP, Farouk Aliu Mahama, and the MASLOC boss, who is also a parliamentary candidate hopeful for Yendi.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Hajia Abibata detailed the disruptions during the counting process, alleging a deliberate attempt by some Electoral Commission officials to manipulate figures in favour of the incumbent MP.
She claimed that officials, whether by miscalculation or design, interrupted the counting, attempting to increase her opponent’s votes by 10.
Subsequently, NPP executives, including the regional chairman, treasurer, third vice-chairman, and regional organizer, declared Farouk Aliu Mahama as the parliamentary candidate-elect in her absence.
Hajia Abibata termed this declaration as “illegitimate” and urged her supporters to disregard it.
While expressing concern over the alleged irregularities, she appealed to all stakeholders to respect established party structures and refrain from making premature pronouncements until an official decision is reached.