The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has appointed former Member of Parliament and ex-Minister, Inusah Fuseini, to replace Mahama Ayariga on the party’s committee investigating alleged vote-buying and inducement during the Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries.
The appointment follows Mr Ayariga’s decision to step down from the investigation committee, citing a conflict arising from the firm position taken by the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament, which has called for the annulment of the entire primary.
Ayariga’s Withdrawal
Mr Ayariga, who serves as Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, announced his withdrawal in a social media post on Sunday, February 8, 2026, describing his continued membership of the committee as “untenable.”
“In view of the position taken by the Caucus of the NDC in Parliament regarding the cancellation of the Ayawaso East primary, it has become untenable for me to serve on the Investigation Committee set up by the National Executive of the NDC,” he stated.
He added that he had formally informed the party leadership to appoint a replacement to ensure the committee’s work proceeded without bias or conflict of interest.
Party Reaffirms Commitment to Integrity
Confirming the new appointment, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, said the party remains committed to upholding high ethical standards in its internal electoral processes.
“The party remains committed to upholding the highest integrity in its internal electoral process,” Mr Kwetey said in a Facebook post announcing Mr Fuseini’s appointment.
The investigation committee, originally constituted by the NDC’s National Executive Committee, is tasked with probing allegations of widespread vote-buying and inducement during the primaries held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
According to an earlier statement signed by Mr Kwetey, the three-member committee has been given until Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to submit its findings and recommendations.
“In line with the Party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency and ethical political conduct, the Committee will investigate the allegations and make appropriate recommendations, including sanctions where necessary,” the statement said.
Majority Caucus Pushes for Annulment
Meanwhile, the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament has formally called for the immediate annulment of the Ayawaso East primaries and the disqualification of candidates found culpable of vote-buying or other unethical practices.
The caucus maintains that decisive action is necessary to protect the credibility of the party’s internal democratic processes and to deter future electoral misconduct.
As pressure mounts on the party’s national leadership, political observers say the outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for the NDC’s reform agenda and internal governance.
