Haruna Iddrisu, former Minority Leader
Haruna Iddrisu, former Minority Leader, has sparked a fresh political controversy by calling for some of his colleagues on the Majority side to vacate their seats after declaring intentions to seek re-election as independent parliamentary candidates.
The Tamale South lawmaker made the call in response to the decision by MPs from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), including former Minister of State and Agona West MP Cynthia Morrison, to run as Independents in the upcoming general elections.
Haruna Iddrisu argued that their decision contradicts the constitutional mandate set out in Article 94(G), which requires that an MP vacates his or her seat if he or she leaves the party that supported their election to Parliament to either join another party or contest as an independent.
Iddrisu’s push for the enforcement of Article 94(G) has ignited discussions on the responsibilities and obligations of MPs, particularly regarding party loyalty.
The article clearly stipulates that any parliamentarian who breaks ties with the party under which they were elected must relinquish their position in the House.
This provision aims to maintain political stability and ensure that MPs are accountable to the voters who elected them under specific party platforms.
However, the MPs, despite their break from the ruling party, continue to hold their parliamentary seats, raising questions about the application of the law.
The decision by these MPs to run as independents has already stirred tensions within the ruling party.
While some view it as a sign of growing discontent within the ranks, others see it as a personal decision driven by factors such as disagreements with party leadership or a desire for greater autonomy.
Whatever the reasons behind their move, the implications are far-reaching. If Haruna Iddrisu and his allies succeed in invoking Article 94(G), it could lead to these MPs being forced to vacate their seats.
This situation is not only a legal challenge but also a political dilemma.
The NPP stands to lose critical seats in Parliament if these MPs are disqualified, weakening their influence ahead of the general elections.
