Member of Parliament for Kpandai, Matthew Nyindam, has insisted that he remains the legitimate MP for the constituency despite a Tamale High Court ruling annulling the 2024 parliamentary election results.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on Wednesday, November 26, Mr Nyindam responded to questions on why he continues to hold himself out as MP after the court’s decision.

According to him, his legal team has already taken steps to challenge the ruling, including filing a stay of execution, which he says means he is still permitted to perform his parliamentary duties until the appeal process is exhausted.

“We've gone to court, a pronouncement was made, and we have taken further steps. Why do we call it stay? I am not a lawyer, but my lawyers have spoken to me,” he said.

He added that he had audio evidence of the Minority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, previously affirming the same legal position that an MP remains in office once a stay of execution is filed.

“In the event that a ruling is given and you appeal and file a stay of execution, it remains as it is until otherwise.

"You still do your work as a Member of Parliament. And Dafeamekpor, as a lawyer, has said this severally. I don't know why today he has decided to go whichever way he went,” he stated.

Mr. Nyindam stated that he has always respected judicial decisions, citing his conduct after losing the 2020 election.

“I am a very law-abiding citizen. I lost the election in the Eighth Parliament. Did you see me in Parliament? Did you see me performing any duty? No. The people overwhelmingly voted for me this time, and I have come to Parliament,” he said.

He stressed that although he disagrees with the ruling, he will not act in contempt of court.

“I will respect the court’s decision anytime. I will be the last person to disrespect the court… But my lawyers have advised me. They have filed a stay, given me copies of the rules of procedure and laws, and I have read them,” he added.

He said the matter now rests with the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, who has halted deliberations on the issue until he personally addresses it.

Meanwhile, the Majority in Parliament is demanding the immediate removal of Mr. Nyindam from the chamber following the High Court’s annulment of the election.

The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, raised a strong objection on the floor of Parliament when Mr Nyindam reportedly prepared to contribute to proceedings.

• Read also: NPP’s Nyindam remains Kpandai MP, judiciary’s ruling will be challenged – Afenyo-Markin

Speaking during Wednesday’s sitting, he insisted Mr. Nyindam “can no longer be recognised as a Member of Parliament” in light of the court ruling.

“Mr. Speaker, the High Court in Tamale has ordered that the outcome of the December 7, 2024, election, which brought Honourable Nyindam to this House as the MP for Kpandai, was flawed.

"Therefore, that election has been ordered to be rerun. Ipso facto, the Honourable Nyindam is no longer a member of this House,” he stated

• Read also: Majority moves to remove Nyindam from Parliament after Kpandai election annulment

Dafeamekpor argued that Parliament has already been served with the court’s judgment and supporting documents, stressing that the House is bound by the ruling until overturned.

“The mere filing of an appeal or a stay of execution does not operate to stop the judgment of the court,” he added. “We will not allow Nyindam to continuously carry himself as an MP, and we will not allow him to speak.”

“Mr. Speaker, these are very serious matters,” Dafeamekpor said. “He cannot enter the chamber and even attempt to debate.”