A fresh controversy has erupted in the Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency of the Upper West Region following allegations that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin is attempting to unduly influence the selection of the next District Chief Executive (DCE).
At a press conference on Monday, Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency Organizer Frederick Kaningen accused the Speaker of trying to manipulate the vetting process in favor of a candidate who was not among the three nominees recommended by the Regional Vetting Committee.
“It has come to our attention that the Right Honorable Speaker is attempting to bypass the legitimate vetting process sanctioned by the party to force through a candidate who did not make it onto the final shortlist,” Kaningen stated.
Expressing strong disapproval, he condemned the alleged interference as a blatant attempt to subvert democracy, warning that such actions could sow discord and destabilize the unity within the constituency.
“If this conduct is not stopped immediately, it will disrupt the peace and cohesion of our constituency. We will not sit idly by and allow a few individuals to undermine the trust and unity that our party has built,” he cautioned.
Kaningen further decried what he termed “elite manipulation” of the process, describing it as an affront to the democratic values of the party. He reaffirmed the group’s support for the Regional Vetting Committee’s decision, emphasizing that the shortlisted candidates were chosen based on merit, commitment, and a deep understanding of local governance.
“We must uphold the processes we have established as a party. The people of Nadowli-Kaleo deserve a leader selected through a fair and transparent system,” he asserted.
The group vowed to resist any attempt to circumvent the established process and impose an unqualified candidate on the constituency.
