Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, has officially filed his nomination to contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency, scheduled for February 7.
Baba Jamal confirmed his participation after submitting his nomination forms at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the NDC on January 27, where his documents were vetted and accepted by the party.
Speaking to the media after the exercise, he said his decision to return home to contest the seat was motivated by a strong sense of duty and service to the people of Ayawaso East.
“I have officially presented my documents to the regional office. They have gone through them, accepted everything, and handed my copy back to me,” he said.
“My motivation is not materialistic. My motivation is humanism and service to people. I am motivated to come down and serve my people,” Baba Jamal added.
According to him, he believes his presence in Parliament would better serve the interests of both his constituents and the nation at large.
“I believe there is a greater task on me to come and serve my people here. My presence here will be more useful to my people and to the nation,” he added.
Baba Jamal has proceeded on a 10-day leave of absence from his diplomatic post to focus on the campaign. He has stated that he will only resign as High Commissioner if he wins the parliamentary seat.
The contest marks a political comeback attempt for Baba Jamal, who was once the former Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, and also previously served as the Member of Parliament for Akwatia between 2013 and 2017.
He also unsuccessfully contested the Ayawaso East NDC primary in 2023.
The by-election primary is as a result of the sudden death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure, on January 4, 2026.
Baba Jamal is one of six aspirants vying for the slot. His contenders include Hajia Amina Adam, the widow of the late MP, as well as Mohammed Ramme, Dr. Yakubu Azindow, Alhaji Abdul Salam Mohammed Daru, and Najib Mohammed Sani.
