BABA JAMAL STUNS POLLSTERS! SNATCHES AYAWASO EAST NDC TICKET IN DRAMATIC COMEBACK AMID CASH-FOR-VOTES CLAIMS

BABA JAMAL STUNS POLLSTERS! SNATCHES AYAWASO EAST NDC TICKET IN DRAMATIC COMEBACK AMID CASH-FOR-VOTES CLAIMS

In a jaw-dropping political twist, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed has stormed back from a predicted defeat to clinch the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary ticket for Ayawaso East, smashing poll forecasts and igniting fresh controversy over alleged vote buying.

The final provisional results from Saturday’s hotly contested primary saw Baba Jamal securing 431 votes, narrowly edging out main rival Hajia Amina Adam, who polled 399 votes in what has quickly become one of the most dramatic internal party battles in recent political memory.

POLLS SAID ONE THING… DELEGATES SAID ANOTHER

Just days before the vote, respected polling firm Global InfoAnalytics projected a commanding lead for Hajia Amina Adam, showing her surging to 58 percent support among voters, while Baba Jamal was trailing at 32 percent.

But when the real battle shifted from public sentiment to delegate ballots, the political script flipped completely.

Baba Jamal delivered a stunning upset, overturning the poll projections and reasserting his political dominance in the constituency.

THE FINAL SCORECARD

Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed – 431 votes

Hajia Amina Adam – 399 votes

Mohammed Ramne – 88 votes

Dr Yakubu Azimdow – 45 votes

Najib Sani – 1 vote

The razor-thin margin between Baba Jamal and Hajia Amina underscores the fierce rivalry that gripped the constituency throughout the campaign period.

VICTORY UNDER A CLOUD OF CONTROVERSY

However, Baba Jamal’s triumph is already being overshadowed by serious allegations of vote buying that rocked the primary.

Earlier in the day, the NDC National Secretariat issued a strong statement condemning reports of inducement and electoral bribery within the contest. The party announced the launch of a full-scale investigation and warned that swift disciplinary action would be taken against any candidate found guilty.

While the statement did not name any specific aspirant, political observers say the allegations have added tension to an already explosive race.

SYMPATHY WAVE FALLS JUST SHORT

Hajia Amina Adam entered the contest riding a powerful wave of public sympathy and grassroots momentum following her husband’s passing. Her campaign gained significant traction, particularly after controversies surrounding discussions about Islamic widowhood practices sparked emotional reactions within sections of the constituency.

Her near-victory demonstrates the strength of her rising political influence, with many insiders suggesting she remains a formidable force within the party’s future constituency politics.

DATA VS DELEGATE REALITY

The Ayawaso East contest has now sparked intense debate about the reliability of voter polling in internal party primaries, where delegate dynamics, political alliances, and organisational structures often outweigh general voter sentiment.

Political analysts say the outcome reinforces the unpredictable nature of delegate-based elections, where ground mobilisation and internal party loyalty frequently trump public opinion trends.

THE ROAD TO THE BY-ELECTION

With the primary now decided, Baba Jamal will carry the NDC’s flag into the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election, where he is expected to face stiff competition from rival political parties eager to capitalise on the controversy surrounding the primary.

But even before the by-election campaign begins, attention is likely to remain fixed on the party’s promised investigations into alleged electoral malpractice.

For now, Baba Jamal stands victorious — but his dramatic comeback win has left Ayawaso East buzzing with celebration, controversy, and unanswered questions about what truly decided one of the constituency’s most electrifying political showdowns.