Kpandai election dispute not over despite Supreme Court ruling – Dafeamekpor

The Member of Parliament for South Dayi and Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against assuming that the legal battle over the Kpandai parliamentary seat has been concluded.

His comments follow a Supreme Court decision that reinstated the election of the NPP’s candidate, Matthew Nyindam. Reacting to the ruling, Mr Dafeamekpor insisted that the matter remains unresolved and that further lawful steps could be taken once the court’s full judgment is formally filed.

“The NPP shouldn’t think that it is over. It is not over,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court, by a 4–1 majority decision, overturned a High Court ruling that had nullified the 2024 parliamentary election in the Kpandai Constituency. The apex court upheld an application by Mr Nyindam, who invoked its supervisory jurisdiction to set aside the High Court’s decision on grounds of jurisdictional error, effectively restoring him as Member of Parliament. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang dissented.

The key issue before the court centred on the date the Electoral Commission gazetted the Kpandai election results, with differing interpretations of the gazette notification influencing the court’s determination.

Mr Dafeamekpor said the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was aggrieved by the outcome but remained committed to due process and the rule of law. He noted that the party would advise its candidate on the next steps after studying the full ruling.

He also questioned the court’s apparent treatment of the gazette notification published by the Assembly Press under the authority of the Electoral Commission, arguing that it is a valid public document that should not be selectively discounted.

The South Dayi MP further accused the NPP of inconsistency in its attitude towards the judiciary, recalling past criticisms of the courts when rulings did not favour the party.

Despite his concerns, Mr Dafeamekpor urged NDC supporters in Accra and Kpandai to remain calm, stressing that the party would remain law-abiding.

He disclosed that the Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to be formally filed by February 6, after which the NDC will determine its next course of action, reiterating that the dispute is not yet over.