The High Court in Nalerigu has stopped the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from holding its planned polling station elections in the Bunkpurugu Constituency. This major legal block was put in place on May 8, 2026. The court issued an interim injunction. It prevents the NPP and everyone working for them from moving forward with the elections.
The court's decision came after 17 NPP members filed a legal challenge. These members are described as being in good standing with the party. They claimed the election process broke the party's own rules. They also said natural justice was not followed. Justice Samuel Bright Acquah, the judge, agreed that the applicants had the right to bring this case. Evidence showed that parts of the NPP's regulations were likely ignored.
Continuing the elections as planned, from May 10 to May 15, could cause serious and permanent damage, the court stated. This damage could make any later court ruling meaningless. So, the court ordered a halt to all election activities in Bunkpurugu. This order remains in effect until the court makes a final legal determination on the matter.
Lawyer for the 17 applicants, Solomon Bitian Damtar Esq, called the reasons for some members' disqualification "appalling". He told JoyNews that some members were falsely accused of not being registered NPP members. He stressed that these were qualified members who had paid their dues. They even participated in the 2026 presidential primaries. The party also failed to release vetting results on time. This stopped affected members from using internal dispute-solving methods. Lawyer Solomon also argued that results from some areas were still not public. This created confusion for those wanting to challenge their disqualifications.
Mr. Damtar suggested the disqualifications were deliberately planned. He believes the Constituency Executive Committee aimed to stop certain members from voting or running. He emphasized that politics relies on numbers. Excluding loyal members for personal or political gain is wrong. He believes the electoral process in Bunkpurugu was messy. It had rule violations and unfairness, making court intervention necessary. The lawyer mentioned plans for a motion for a temporary injunction. This would keep the elections suspended until the main case is fully heard.
However, the lawyer also noted that the issue could be resolved without long court battles. This would happen if party leaders engaged the affected aspirants. They could be given a chance to compete. His clients want fairness, openness, and equal chances for all eligible candidates. They are not looking for lengthy litigation. Mr. Damtar stressed that disqualified individuals must receive a fair hearing. They need clear reasons for exclusion, following natural justice principles. Some of the applicants were happy with the court's decision. They accused the constituency executive of selfish motives. They promised to continue the legal fight.
The NPP often manages its internal party elections. These processes are crucial for selecting candidates and leadership. Disruptions like this can impact party unity and future electoral success. The outcome of this court case could influence how internal party disputes are handled in Ghana. Future elections in other constituencies might also be affected by this precedent.
This legal challenge highlights the importance of following established procedures and ensuring fairness within political parties. It also shows how courts can step in to uphold due process. The Nalerigu court's decision underlines the need for transparency in party elections. This is important for maintaining public trust. The NPP faces the challenge of resolving this dispute quickly. They need to ensure their electoral processes are seen as fair and legal.