Accra: Businessman Alhaji Alhassan Gbangu, popularly known as 'The Lion,' has dismissed reports that his wife, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim, is preparing to contest the NDC parliamentary primary in the Wa Central Constituency.
According to Ghana Web, Alhaji Gbangu, speaking in his native Waale dialect, stated that Shamima Muslim had no interest in the parliamentary seat and would not contest the primary. 'There are people out there who are saying that what I am doing is because of my wife, Shamima Muslim. I want to tell the people of Wa that Shamima, my wife, is not coming for the primary. She will not come today or tomorrow,' he indicated.
Gbangu emphasized that his wife would not seek the seat even if the incumbent Member of Parliament, Dr Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, decides not to contest the next election. 'Shamima is not interested in the Wa Parliamentary seat, and I will not also allow her to come and contest the primaries,' he clarified.
Instead, Gbangu mentioned Lawyer Abubakar Mutiu-Rahman, Economic Adviser to the Vice President, Prof Sherif Khalid, and Principal State Attorney Saeed Abdul Shakur as possible contenders for the seat. He noted that Abubakar Mutiu-Rahman and Prof Sherif Khalid had previously contested the NDC parliamentary primary in Wa Central, while he was uncertain whether Saeed Abdul Shakur was interested in the contest. 'When the time comes, we will persuade one of them to step down for the other,' he said.
The businessman also commended the NDC Upper West Regional Executives, led by Regional Chairman Abdul Nasir Saani, known as BUNAS, for helping the party secure all 11 parliamentary seats in the region. He urged delegates ahead of the upcoming regional executive elections to elect leaders who would prioritize the interests and electoral fortunes of the party. Gbangu said the focus should be on strengthening the NDC's structures in the region and ensuring the party remains capable of sustaining its electoral victories.