The Wa Central Constituency in the Upper West Region, the largest in terms of voter population, has long been a stronghold for the NDC since Ghana returned to constitutional rule. Represented by Dr. Rashid Pelpuo in the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic, the constituency is gearing up for yet another intense election in 2024.
Dr. Pelpuo, a political stalwart who succeeded the late Hon. Mumuni Abudu Seidu in 2004, have policed the seat for the NDC for nearly two decades, being a consistent name in the constituency electoral processes .
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Revered for his calm and accommodating nature, Pelpuo has triumphed over several opponents, including notable figures from the New NPP such as Mohammed Kpegla, Clement Eledi, and Issahaku Tahiru and Hajia Humu Awudu .
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Voting Patterns in Wa Central
Basically, the NPP never wins the seat and the voting dynamics in over here are influenced by tribe, religion, gender, and clan affiliations, which play crucial roles in the electoral decisions of the constituents.
Despite significant gains by the NPP over the years, the NDC remains the dominant force in the constituency, with Dr. Pelpuo maintaining a firm grip on the parliamentary seat.
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The Battle Ahead
In the 2024 parliamentary election, Hajia Humu Awudu will contest Dr. Rashid Pelpuo for the second time.
Pelpuo, with his vast political experience and track record of spearheading developmental projects, is expected to rely on his long-standing rapport with the constituents.
He is renowned for his strategic, last-minute campaign moves, often turning the tide in his favor during the final week of elections. The NDC ability to reunite after internal primaries have been a key factor in Pelpuo’s continued success. The NDC over here have always, always managed their differences very well.
Hajia Humu, on the other hand, known for her resourcefulness and connections with top government officials, faces internal challenges within her party due to disunity—a recurring issue that hindered her chances in 2020. The biggest challenge for the NPP over here have always been unifying to present a strong front.
In 2016 when the NPP have a united front they almost snatched the seat from the NDC.
Despite her philanthropic efforts and support for local development, the NPP’s internal conflicts may dent her chances of winning again.
Many would have thought that a constituency that isn’t a party stronghold requires a united front to win but that isn’t the case of the NPP over here.
The recent suspension of Hon. Takora Attawa, the Wa central constituency women organizer which many believed was orchestrated by Hajia Humu is just the tip of the iceberg internal disputes in the party. The Hon. Issahaku Tahiru boys are sitting aloof while former constituency chairman Ali Kamara is campaigning for Bawumia and not the PC. The internal issues are just one too many.
With all this, will Pelpuo leverage his experience and maintain the NDC’s grip on Wa Central, or will Hajia Humu Awudu manage to rally her party and pose a serious threat to the NDC’s dominance? All eyes will be on December 7, 2024, as the people of Wa Central make their decision.
Wa Central Parliamentary Election Results
1996 Parliamentary Results
Seidu Mumuni Abudu NDC: 25,718 votes 44.80%
Clement Eledi NPP: 11,657 votes 20.30%
2000 Parliamentary Results
Seidu Mumuni Abudu NDC: 20,648 – 53.10%
Clement Eledi NPP: 13,005 – 33.40%
2004 Parliamentary Results
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo NDC :12,280 – 51.30%
Mohammed Kpegla NPP: 7,249 – 17.50%
2008 Parliamentary Results
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo NDC: 25,214 – 58.43%
Clement Eledi NPP: 17,343 – 40.19%
2012 Parliamentary Results
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo NDC: 28,149 – 49.31%
Issahaku Tahiru NPP 22,304 – 39.07%
2016 Parliamentary Results
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo NDC: 25,319 – 44.56%
Issahaku Tahiru NPP: 24,748 – 43.56%
2020 Parliamentary Results:
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo NDC: 39,542 – 53.88%
Hajia Humu Awudu NPP: 33,340 – 45.43%
