This marks the second time since 1992 that the governing party has claimed the traditionally New Patriotic Party (NPP) held seat, following years of political dominance by the opposition party.
The rerun, conducted in 19 polling stations, brought finality to months of legal and electoral disputes stemming from the December 7, 2024, general election.
After Friday’s rerun, NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn polled 34, 090 votes while NPP’s Akua Afriyie polled 33, 881 votes.
That initial contest ended in a stalemate after allegations of irregularities and the submission of unauthenticated pink sheets led the Electoral Commission (EC) to withhold a final declaration for the parliamentary seat.
Chronology of Events
After the December election, both the NPP and NDC claimed victory. The NPP insisted their candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, had won with a margin of 414 votes. However, challenges over unendorsed pink sheets from 19 polling stations led to confusion during collation.
A High Court ruling in January 2025 directed the EC to resume and complete the collation process, but fresh disputes and missing signatures forced the Commission to announce a rerun.
The NPP leadership initially announced a boycott of the rerun, branding the EC’s decision as a betrayal of electoral justice. However, in a dramatic twist, Nana Akua Afriyie defied the party’s directive and re-entered the race with quiet but growing support from grassroots members and a number of prominent party figures.
Tense Campaign and Chaotic Election Day
The days leading up to the rerun were fraught with political tension. The NDC launched a full-scale campaign led by regional and national figures. Ewurabena Aubynn, presented herself as a symbol of change and accountability, especially appealing to younger voters and floating constituents.
On election day, however, voting was marred by violence and chaos. At least one polling station was disrupted by unidentified individuals, leading to the assault of Nana Akua Afriyie and former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson.
The Ghana Police Service later announced the interdiction of an officer caught on video assaulting a journalist. Despite these incidents, voting proceeded across all 19 stations and ended peacefully in most areas.
Victory for Ewurabena Aubynn
By the close of counting on Friday night, provisional results confirmed that Ewurabena Aubynn had won the rerun, securing enough votes to clinch the Ablekuma North seat.
A Stunning Blow to NPP Stronghold
Ablekuma North has long been considered a safe seat for the NPP, with the party winning the constituency in every election since its creation. Friday’s outcome represents a significant shift in the political landscape of the Greater Accra Region, where several formerly safe seats have become competitive.
Observers believe the NPP’s internal divisions, conflicting signals over participation in the rerun, and the violent incidents on election day may have cost them vital support.
Looking Ahead
Ewurabena Aubynn’s victory not only gives the NDC a morale boost in Parliament but also shifts the constituency’s political dynamics ahead of the 2028 general election. Her win adds to the growing narrative that the NDC is regaining lost ground in urban and peri-urban constituencies in the Greater Accra Region.
Her victory officially ends nearly eight months of political limbo in Ablekuma North.
Source :citinews
