As tension continues to mount within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Nalerigu/Gambaga constituency, following the suspension of a parliamentary aspirant, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is calling for calm.

A statement signed by the North East Regional Communication Officer of the NDC, Imoro Abdul Razak, says the call for peace follows recent confusion that rocked the NPP in the new region.

"The verbal tirade, although their stock in trade, being unleashed on each other by their parliamentary candidates has succinctly demonstrated the NPP undemocratic nature," it read.

"The near clashes between supporters of the suspended aspirant, Peter Baaga and the Local Government Minister Hajia Alimah Mahama sent a signal of bad omen in the region", the NDC admonished.

The statement added that, although the escalating confusion and chaos within the ruling party is not strange, the NDC appreciates peace and will urge the NPP to show leadership and respect the people of the North East Region.

The NDC also described the incidents leading to the suspension of  Peter Baaga as a clear manifestation of poor leadership and the apparent intolerance currently being exhibited by the Akufo-Addo led administration. 

The statement, therefore, called "on the Elders of the NPP to reach out to the warring factions of suspended Aspirant Peter Baaga and Local Government Minister Hajia Alima Mahama to get their commitment to end the vicious circle of heightened tensions in each election that features the duo."

The NDC in the region also says it has noted the shocking confessions of election rigging and smuggling of fertilisers and other farm inputs to neighboring countries by executives of the ruling party made by Peter Baaga for which reason he was sanctioned.

"The NDC knows and recalls painfully the damning revelations on Tizaa Fm by Peter Wuni Baaga (now suspended aspirant) i.e The NPP in collaboration with the EC, rigged the 2004 parliamentary election for Hajia Alimah Mahama, and President Kuffour in the constituency. The NPP Regional Chairman criminally diverted fertilizer meant for the Planting for Food and Jobs programme to Burkina Faso for a private purposes et al and we will soon contact the appropriate authorities to act on that," the party hinted.

The opposition party praised "the candor of Mr Peter Wuni Baaga for openly applauding President Mahama and the NDC 2020 parliamentary candidate for having worked on the road network in the East Mamprusi Municipality which has since infuriated the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia."

"In conclusion, the NDC in the light of the foregoing, calls on the NPP National Leadership to take over the affairs of the NPP in the Region for it is on autopilot.

The NDC needs peace to conduct its activities with decorum and to explain to citizens of the region the failed and corrupt practices of the NPP. And the need for change."

Confusion erupted in the ruling party in the Nalerigu/Gambaga constituency following months of tension between supporters of a former District Chief Executive, Peter Wuni Baaga, and the incumbent Member of Parliament, Hajia Alimah. 

Divisions emerged publicly last Thursday following the suspension of Peter Wuni Baaga, a former District Chief Executive and a founding member of the party in the area, after an interview, he granted in response to allegations made against him by Hajia Alimah Mahama and some members of her campaign team, including the regional chairman and the Municipal Chief Executive.

Peter was said to have been accused by Hajia Alimah of stealing and diverting public funds while in office as District Chief Executive and also disrespecting President Akufo-Addo.

The former DCE, who then fired back, accused Hajia Alimah of rigging the 2004 elections that took her to parliament for the first time. He also accused the Local Government and Rural Development Minister of betrayal and witch-hunting him.

Two days after his response, the regional chairman, Nurudeen Fuseini, issued a letter announcing the suspension of the aspirant from the party.
Some supporters of the party in the constituency have however rejected the suspension which they have described as "unconstitutional" and a breach of the fundamental human rights of the aspirant.

They have threatened to stage protest in support of the suspended aspirant. Meanwhile, some 75 members of the party in the constituency have already left to join the opposition NDC, citing the incompetence of the Member of Parliament and the growing confusion in the party.