The race to succeed the late Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Mahama Naser Toure, has officially ignited as six high-profile candidates, including the late MP's widow, Hajia Amina Adam, picked up nomination forms to contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary.

The seat became vacant following the sudden demise of Mr. Naser Toure in early January 2026, triggering a by-election scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

For the NDC, Ayawaso East is more than a constituency—it is an impenetrable Zongo fortress that has never fallen to the opposition since the 1992 democratic transition.

Hajia Amina Adam's entry into the race has sent ripples through the Nima and Maamobi corridors.

While some view her candidacy through the lens of a sympathy vote, her aides insist her move is purely mission-driven.

According to her team, the decision was not a personal ambition but a response to overwhelming pressure from community elders and women's groups who wished to see her continue her late husband’s social interventions.

She is positioning herself as a servant of the people, aiming to leverage her intimate knowledge of the constituency’s needs.

Facing off against the widow is a political heavyweight, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed. Currently serving as Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, the veteran politician and legal practitioner is framing his run as a return to his roots.

Despite his famous historical ties to the Akwatia constituency, Baba Jamal reminded supporters that he was born and raised in Nima.

In the 2024 NDC primary, he gave the late Naser Toure a run for his money, polling 525 votes against the incumbent’s 675.

“It is true, by God's grace, I will contest in the Ayawaso East constituency by-election. I see it as a call to come and serve the good people of Ayawaso East,” he stated on Asempa FM's Ekosiisen.

The NDC Greater Accra Regional Secretary, Theophilus Tetteh Chaie, confirmed that five other male aspirants are also in the hunt:

• Dr. Yakubu Azindow: A perennial contender who polled 215 votes in the 2024 primary.
• Mohammed Ramne: A grassroots mobiliser.
• Mohammed Abdul Salam: Known locally as Abdul Salam Daru, representing the youth wing.
• Najib Mohammed Sani: A rising star in the constituency’s intellectual circles.

The NDC machinery is moving at breakneck speed to ensure a candidate is ready for the March by-election:

• January 27: Submission of nomination forms.
• January 28: Vetting, balloting, and appeals.
• February 7: Parliamentary Primary.

While the NDC prepares for its internal clash, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is reportedly searching for a suitable candidate.

General Secretary Justin Koduah has indicated the NPP's intent to contest the by-election, though it remains unclear if they will re-field Zak Rahman or introduce a fresh face to challenge the NDC's 70% grip on the area.