The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed Mohammed Umar Sanda’s independent bid for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election, insisting that he poses no real threat to the party’s chances.
Anthony Nukpenu, Greater Accra Regional Organiser for the NDC in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday February 27 said the party had attempted to counsel Umar Sanda to respect its decisions, but his decision to go independent has “shot himself in the foot.”
Nukpenu predicted that Sanda would not secure even 2% of the voter turnout come Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
“Umar Sanda is not a threat. All we were trying to do is to talk to our brother — you must have ambition, but don’t be over-ambitious. Now he has chosen this route, he has lost his heritage,” Nukpenu said.
He added that any NDC executive found supporting Sanda would face consequences. He indicated that the party expects to secure at least 75% of voter turnout for its candidate.
His comments follow the revocation of Umar Sanda’s NDC membership after he declared his independent candidacy, a move deemed a violation of party rules. In a letter dated February 17, 2026, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey stated that Sanda’s decision to contest against the officially endorsed candidate, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, automatically nullified his party membership.
The party also prohibited Umar Sanda from using the NDC name, logo, colors, symbols, or any related intellectual property during his campaign.
With the by-election just days away, the NDC is positioning itself to defend its seat while facing the unusual challenge of a former member running independently.
