The Ayawaso Council of Zongo Chiefs has cautioned that the annulment of the area's recent National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary could lead to violence.

It forms part of attempts to urge the party to accept Baba Jamal's victory despite a major vote-buying investigation.

This follows the controversial primary on February 7, 2026, held to select an NDC candidate for a crucial March 3 by-election.

Baba Jamal, Ghana's recalled High Commissioner to Nigeria, narrowly defeated Hajia Amina Adam, the widow of the late MP Naser Toure Mahama.

Ayawaso Council of Zongo Chiefs warn of possible chaos if the NDC goes ahead to cancel the results of the Saturday primaries, and order for a rerun.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/KysHt7Qw2w

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) February 9, 2026

The election was immediately engulfed in scandal due to widespread reports of inducement, with viral videos showing delegates leaving with gifts like television sets and cash.

This alleged vote-buying triggered a swift national response. President John Mahama recalled Baba Jamal from his diplomatic post to preserve integrity, and the NDC launched an investigative committee, with its own parliamentary caucus demanding the primary's cancellation and a ban on guilty candidates.

On the back of this, the traditional leaders intervened during the press conference.

When one of the journalists quizzed whether they feared a re-run could bring Council Vice Chairman Tanko, Ibrahim responded in the affirmative.

"There is something like that. So, this is what we are avoiding. We know what we are doing, Mr Tanko said.

"So, if the result is kept the way it is, I think we live peacefully," he added.

The chiefs have argued the result should stand and have already aligned themselves with Baba Jamal, claiming all elections have problems.

The NDC's investigative committee is expected to submit its findings soon, but the party has announced no timeline for a final decision that will test its commitment to its own rules.