Former Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has thrown her support behind the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the High Court’s annulment of the 2024 Kpandai parliamentary election, insisting that the ruling was grounded firmly in law.
Appearing on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, January 31, Ms Abubakar explained that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) failed to meet the legally required deadline for filing its election petition, a lapse she says could not be overlooked by the courts.
According to her, strict compliance with procedural timelines is essential to safeguarding the credibility of Ghana’s electoral and judicial systems. She noted that courts are bound by law and cannot exercise discretion when statutory deadlines are breached.
Her comments come in the wake of a 4–1 majority decision by the Supreme Court, which set aside the High Court ruling that had nullified the Kpandai election results and ordered a fresh poll. The apex court’s verdict restored the original outcome of the election.
As a result of the ruling, Matthew Nyindam of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been confirmed as the duly elected Member of Parliament for the Kpandai constituency.
Ms Abubakar further stated that the judgment sends a clear message to political parties and candidates on the need for prompt legal action when contesting election outcomes. She warned that delays not only weaken cases but also disrupt timely resolution of electoral disputes.
Meanwhile, the NDC has announced plans to pursue a review of the Supreme Court’s decision, a move permitted under the Constitution, though such applications are rarely successful.
