A Koforidua-based private legal practitioner and top National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawyer, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has declared his intention to contest the party's parliamentary primary in the Akwatia constituency of the Eastern region ahead of the impending by-election.

Mr Baidoo, who currently serves as the NDC constituency secretary for Akwatia, picked up his nomination forms on Monday, 28th July, at the party's Eastern Regional Office in Koforidua. He was accompanied by some traditional leaders and elders from the area who believe he is best positioned to represent the constituency.

His decision follows the official opening of nominations by the party earlier in the day to allow qualified aspirants to file for the upcoming primaries.

The Akwatia parliamentary seat became vacant following the passing of the sitting Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, a few weeks ago. Although the Electoral Commission has yet to announce a date for the by-election, the NDC has initiated internal processes to select a candidate.

So far, three aspirants have picked nomination forms: Bernard Bediako Baidoo, businessman Erasmus Korney Ali, and former MP Henry Boakye Yiadom (a.k.a. Okoyo).

Mr Baidoo, who previously represented Henry Boakye Yiadom in a court challenge against the late Ernest Yaw Kumi over the 2024 parliamentary election results, addressed the media after filing his forms.

"Yes, I was the NDC's lawyer in the case between Henry Boakye Yiadom and Ernest Yaw Kumi, and everyone knows I did my best as his lawyer. But that phase has ended. The floodgates are now open to any qualified party member. Does it mean I can't contest because I was the former MP’s lawyer?" he asked.

"I was still in court fighting for him, but unfortunately, everything has come to an end following Kumi’s passing," he added.

The experienced lawyer, who is also a member of the party’s regional legal team, disclosed that his decision to contest was heavily influenced by calls from senior party figures.

“I am in this race because people think I am well cut out for it. I have top party bigwigs calling on me now and then to represent the party, and you know when such calls come in like that, it becomes difficult to turn down,” he explained.

The NDC is expected to vet all three aspirants on Thursday, 31st July, ahead of the primaries scheduled for Monday, 4th August.