Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, has confirmed that he has proceeded on a 10-day leave of absence to concentrate on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in Ayawaso East.

He rejected suggestions that he should resign from his diplomatic post.

Mr Baba Jamal is among six aspirants who have picked nomination forms to contest the primary ahead of the March 3 by-election, which was necessitated by the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure.

The primary is scheduled for February 7.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM on Sunday, January 25, the High Commissioner maintained that his decision to seek the party’s parliamentary slot does not undermine his responsibilities as a diplomat.

He clarified that he would only step down from his current position if he were successful in securing the parliamentary seat.

Mr Baba Jamal further appealed to party delegates to consider his experience and leadership credentials, expressing confidence in his ability to bring development and effective representation to the Ayawaso East constituency.

Meanwhile, the NDC has confirmed that six individuals have officially picked nomination forms to contest the primary.

The aspirants include the party’s Ayawaso East Constituency Chairman, Mohammed Ramme; Hajia Amina Adam, the widow of the late MP; Dr Yakubu Azindow; Najib Mohammed Sani; Salam Daru; and Mr Baba Jamal.

Providing an update on the party’s timetable, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Rashid Tanko Computer, described the race as keenly contested.

He disclosed that nominations will be filed on January 27, adding that the level of interest reflects the significance of the by-election and the competitiveness of the primary.