The Supreme Court has halted all preparations toward the proposed rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary election, delivering a major judicial interventio
The Supreme Court has halted all preparations toward the proposed rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary election, delivering a major judicial intervention in a dispute that has already triggered political unrest in Parliament and heightened tensions between the ruling government and the opposition.
The apex court’s directive orders the Electoral Commission (EC) to suspend every activity connected to the planned rerun, pending the final determination of a case challenging the legal basis for the exercise.
The matter has been adjourned to January 13, 2026, effectively freezing the electoral process in the constituency for now.
From 2024 Polls To Courtroom Battles
The controversy traces its roots to the December 7, 2024 parliamentary election in Kpandai, which was won by Matthew Nyindam of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His victory was subsequently challenged in court by a petitioner who cited irregularities in the collation process.
On November 24, 2025, the Tamale High Court ruled in favour of the petitioner and ordered the EC to conduct a rerun within 30 days, a decision that immediately set off political and legal tremors.
Although the judgement was subject to appeal, a chain of administrative actions followed.
Parliament, through the Clerk of Parliament, formally notified the EC on December 9, 2025, declaring the Kpandai seat vacant — a move the Minority strongly opposed, arguing that appeal processes were still active.
Parliamentary Chaos And Political Fallout
The Clerk’s letter triggered days of turmoil in Parliament, with the Minority accusing the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, of acting prematurely and ignoring established constitutional practice.
The Minority MPs protested loudly in the chamber, disrupted government business, and vowed not to allow the passage of budgets until the letter to the EC was withdrawn.
The Majority, led by Mahama Ayariga, dismissed the protests as obstructionist, insisting Parliament was merely acting on a valid court order.
The standoff degenerated into physical confrontations on the floor of the House, forcing the Speaker to temporarily suspend sittings.
Outside Parliament, the NPP held a press conference, describing the declaration of the seat vacant as unconstitutional and politically motivated, while former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia warned against what he termed “indecent haste” and a dangerous precedent that undermines judicial independence.
EC Moves, Supreme Court Intervenes
Acting on the Clerk’s letter and the High Court ruling, the EC announced December 30, 2025, as the date for the rerun, restricting participation to the three candidates from the original 2024 contest.
However, the Supreme Court’s intervention now nullifies that timeline, barring the EC from proceeding until all legal questions are settled.
The ruling reinforces long-standing legal principles that electoral actions must not pre-empt appellate processes, especially where constitutional rights and parliamentary representation are at stake.
What the Supreme Court’s Decision Means
The court’s order has immediate and far-reaching consequences:
The EC cannot conduct, plan, or announce any rerun-related activity in Kpandai.
Parliamentary claims that the seat is vacant are now legally suspended.
Ongoing political campaigns in the constituency are thrown into uncertainty.
The ruling strengthens the argument that judicial exhaustion must precede political enforcement.
Awaiting January 13
With proceedings adjourned to January 13, 2026, all stakeholders — Parliament, the EC, the NPP, and the NDC — must now await the Supreme Court’s final determination.
Until then, Kpandai remains politically represented but legally contested, a situation that underscores the fragile balance between the democratic institutions and the dangers of political overreach.
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