In a significant political shift, over 200 members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from the Nabdam constituency in the Upper East Region have defected to the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The defectors, primarily from Nangodi, the district capital, cite the NPP’s record of development in their communities as a key reason for their decision. They point to improvements in infrastructure, such as roads, schools, Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS), and access to clean water through boreholes.
In an exclusive interview with Word News, one defector, Godfred Bugbire, expressed that his switch to the NPP was influenced by the visible progress in his community, Nkunzesi. He noted that in the past, their community lacked basic amenities, but the introduction of street lights has allowed them to hold meetings and community programs at night.
Godfred shared that his parents, long-time NDC supporters, had consistently voted for the party without seeing tangible development. He emphasized that despite raising their concerns with NDC leaders, their pleas were often ignored.
Another defector, Gort Bogbil from Gboung Touh (Nangodi JHS) polling station, expressed similar sentiments, stating that he had been a loyal NDC member but felt disillusioned by the party’s failures. He highlighted contributions from Mr. Thomas Kudourg, which have brought significant improvements to their community, including the installation of boreholes. Gort pointed out that the NPP has not historically won at the Nangodi Junior High School polling station, yet community members are benefiting from initiatives like the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty program.
Kwabena Yinsome, another defector, noted that under the NPP government, residents no longer need to travel to Bongo District to buy electricity for their prepaid meters. He mentioned major projects such as the Agenda 111 district hospital, a police training school, and a district fire station as evidence of significant development in the area.
The District Chief Executive for the Nabdam district welcomed the defectors to the NPP and urged them to stay focused, warning that NDC members might attempt to undermine their decision. She reiterated that many are joining the NPP due to the substantial development the government has brought to the constituency and called on constituents to support the NPP for continued progress.
Mr. Thomas Kudourg, the NPP secretary in the Nabdam constituency, criticized the NDC for neglecting the area’s needs, despite the loyalty of its constituents. He noted that the youth and women in Nangodi are drawn to the NPP because of the visible progress made by the current government.
Hon. Charles Taleog Ndanbon, the NPP’s parliamentary candidate, expressed his gratitude for the influx of new supporters and encouraged them to stand firm in their decision. He cautioned that NDC members might attempt to intimidate them for their choice.
In response to the mass defection, Mr. James Tenga, the NDC’s constituency communications officer, accused the NPP of using money and goods to lure members away. He claimed that several individuals, including a notable NPP supporter, Mr Yin Kurug, aka Taller, had switched to the NDC due to current hardships.
Hon. Ndanbon pledged to work closely with Dr. Alhaji Mahmudu Bawumia to enhance community mining operations and support local agriculture by creating dams for crops like tomatoes and peppers. He criticized the incumbent member of parliament for lacking vision and failing to implement a coherent plan for the constituency’s development.
He urged the people of Nabdam constituency to vote for him instead of Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, promising to bridge the growing development gaps in the area.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya