Actor John Dumelo says it would have been a risky move for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to replace its candidate to contest the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency seat.

He said that though he does not oppose internal competition within the party's parliamentary race, he believes such a contest was not necessary.

Speaking in an interview on Ghana Tonight, Dumelo emphasised that Ayawaso West was seen as a unique case due to his strong performance in the 2020 contest, where he narrowly lost.

“It would have been suicidal to change the candidate and so it's a democracy, but a lot of negotiations have to go on,” he said.

Mr Dumelo's comments come after fellow actor Fred Nuamah withdrew his candidacy for the same seat on the NDC ticket.

Also read: John Dumelo endorsed as NDC’s Ayawaso West Wuogon Parliamentary Candidate

The NDC in a press statement on Sunday, August 13, endorsed Dumelo as Parliamentary Candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency in the 2024 elections.

This decision was the result of "constructive discussions" led by the party leadership.

The other two contenders who initially aimed to challenge Mr Dumelo agreed to step down following engagements with the party's leaders.

The 2020 NDC parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West emphasised that the party's decision-making process involves thorough research to determine whether to maintain or change a candidate.

He expressed gratitude to Fred Nuamah for his withdrawal and endorsement, asserting, "Together, we will work towards securing victory for the NDC in the Ayawaso West parliamentary seat and ensuring John Mahama's presidency in 2025."