President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed confidence in New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Matthew Nyindam ahead of the Kpandai parliamentary rerun, saying he hopes the former legislator retains the seat.

Appearing on Channel One TV on Saturday, December 13, Mr Cudjoe argued that the decision to rerun the election was the result of administrative lapses by the Electoral Commission (EC), rather than any proven misconduct by the candidates who contested the 2024 polls.

According to him, the controversy surrounding the Kpandai results stemmed largely from weaknesses in the collation process, for which the EC must take responsibility.

“The collation issues tell me clearly that the problem lies with the Electoral Commission. The fact that these things were allowed to happen means the EC should be chastised,” he stated.

Mr Cudjoe said he was troubled by the impact of the rerun on Mr Nyindam, whom he believes legitimately won the initial election.

“I feel very uncomfortable with how this has played out. It is unfair to the candidate who won, and I genuinely hope he wins again,” he said.

He further questioned the National Democratic Congress’ decision to pursue the matter, suggesting it reflected a broader strategy to expand its parliamentary numbers.

“I honestly don’t understand where the NDC wants to take all these majority seats to. It almost feels like a ‘buy one, get one free’ approach,” he remarked.

The Kpandai rerun was ordered by the Tamale High Court following a petition filed by the NDC’s candidate, Nsala Wakpal, who challenged the validity of the 2024 results.

The court ruled that the final collation was conducted without the presence of the NDC candidate or a recognised agent, leading Parliament to declare the seat vacant and the Electoral Commission to fix the rerun for Tuesday, December 30.