The dream of Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central retaining the seat for two consecutive terms is in limbo, as keen challenger has emerged and lacing up for what could be described as one of the biggest contest akin to the biblical David and Goliath fight.
Reports reaching The Herald from the Constituency are that, the MP’s challenger, Alhaji Ibrahim Dori, who is into Roads and Building construction and a known “grassroots” activist, is most likely to represent the constituency on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), when the party opens nominations.
This paper has gathered that, despite Mr. Ayariga’s status as MP and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, delegates and the majority of the constituents, have unanimously chosen their suitable candidate for the job, ahead of the incumbent.
In what is tipped to be the hottest race in the Upper East Region, the MP, is currently being accused by the constituents over several issues, including refusing to answer calls from the constituents and not in good terms with some constituency executives. The MP, is said to be undermining the leaderships of the regional and constituency chairmen, Alhaji Mumuni Bolnaba, and Abdulai Saeed respectively, whom the MP is alleged not to be in talking terms with.
Mr. Ayariga’s other flaw, which is causing more anger among the people of Bawku Central is that, Mr. Ayariga, is alleged to have abandoned the constituency and hardly visit the area after winning the seat in 2012. Reports indicate that, the MP is recently spotted in the constituency donating motorbikes to some chiefsm as well as zonal executives of the party to garner support and favour in the upcoming primaries, whiles major roads including, the Bolga to Bawku road is in deplorable state.
Presently, The Herald is informed, the fear and worry of many party supporters in the region and constituency is that, should the incumbent MP bulldoze his way to win the primaries; the party was likely to be punished and lose the seat in the 2016 elections.
Independent checks by The Herald, have revealed that, the 34-year old contractor is a native of Bawku and born to late Alhaji Amadu Dori (Baakoomi). He is the Managing Director (MD) of I. A. Dori Enterprise Ltd and a graduate of the University of Ghana (UG).
When this paper contacted Alhaji Dori, he confirmed his interest to contest the seat. He told The Herald in a telephone interview that, he “believes the time has come to give Bawku Central a pragmatic leadership style”. According to him, even though the constituency is one of the swing seats, he is the best candidate to retain the seat for the party in 2016.
Alhaji Dori, disclosed that, he was seriously in talks with the rank and file of the party in the constituency for their support and guidance ahead of the official opening of nominations.
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