In a surprise turn of event, the Northern Regional Minister Alhaji Muniru Limuna has pulled out of the National Democratic Congress' parliamentary primary race.

The Minister’s Campaign Coordinator Swalisu Bistarco confirmed the his withdrawal to Joy News' Northern Regional correspondent Hashmin Mohammed.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Minister was ordered to step down by President Mahama.

Mr Bistarco said he and the rest of the Minister’s supporters are not in favour of the decision.

“We will never accept the decision,” he asserted.

The Northern Regional Minister launched his campaign last week Monday to contest the Damongo constituency in the West Gonja District.

Backed by a group calling itself Friends of Alhaji Muniru (FOAM), Mr Limuna said the NDC was poised to win power in 2016.

President of FOAM, Abubakari Yahuza said the Damongo constituents are yearning for Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna as their next MP.

 He said FOAM will work to ensure that the dream of the constituents become a reality. 

The Northern Regional Minister had accepted the call by the group to contest the constituency primary and called on the group to be truthful and wage a campaign that will keep the party united in the constituency.

He even donated a hearse at a cost of Ghc 35,000 to Muslims in the Damongo community, so his decision to pull out after this came as a shock to his supporters and they are angry.

The seat is currently being held by Mutawakilu Adam of the National Democratic Congress.