Mustapha Gbande, Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, has indicated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is widening its probe into alleged vote-buying during the recent Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries to cover not only aspirants but also delegates who may have received inducements.

Speaking on the AM Show, Mr Gbande said the party’s investigative committee will scrutinise the entire primary process, including the conduct of all actors involved.

“The committee’s work will even go to the extent of the receivers, because both the giver and the receiver matter. It’s not about Baba Jamal. We are interrogating the entire primary — the activities, the behaviour and conduct of the aspirants,” he stated.

According to him, the probe will also consider counter-allegations and complaints from various contestants, as the party seeks to resolve the matter conclusively.

“We have seen allegations and counter-allegations from different aspirants. All these will be put in context and analysed. We want to draw the curtains on these issues once and for all,” he added.

The comments come amid widespread controversy surrounding the NDC’s Ayawaso East primaries, following reports that Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed allegedly distributed items, including 32-inch television sets and boiled eggs, to delegates on voting day.

Some party insiders and delegates have claimed the items were perceived as inducements and may have influenced voting patterns, contributing to Mr Baba Jamal’s victory in the contest. His supporters, however, have denied any wrongdoing, insisting the allegations are being exaggerated.

In response to the growing public concern, the NDC leadership recently constituted a three-member committee to investigate the claims and recommend measures to curb inducement in future internal elections. The committee is expected to submit its report by February 10, 2026.

The issue has also attracted national attention, with the Office of the Special Prosecutor announcing investigations into similar vote-buying allegations involving both the NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr Gbande said the focus is on restoring credibility and discipline within the party.

“Our aim is to ensure fairness and integrity in our processes,” he noted, stressing that no individual will be shielded if found culpable.