The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Professor Seidu Alidu, as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tamale Central Constituency.

The declaration was made in Tamale on [Tuesday, September 23, 2025] after the close of nominations, confirming that he was the only candidate standing.

At a brief ceremony, the Returning Officer for the constituency, Mr Muniru Musa, explained that three aspirants had initially filed their nominations, including Prof Alidu. But after the deadline, the other two withdrew from the contest.

He said the EC, in line with C.I. 127, reopened nominations for 10 additional days to allow fresh entries. The period ended on Sunday, September 21, 2025, without any new candidate filing.

Quoting the law, Mr Musa said: “If by the time allowed for delivery of nominations, nomination has ended and on the day before the elections only one candidate stands nominated, the candidate shall be declared elected.”

He added: “In view of this, I, Muniru Musa, Returning Officer for the Tamale Central Constituency, working with C.I. 127, hereby declare Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama as the MP-elect for the Tamale Central Constituency.”

The death of the sitting MP, Mr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in a helicopter crash triggered the by-election. The EC had earlier announced that the contest would not be held if no additional candidates entered the race by the close of the extended deadline.

The development makes Prof Alidu the first parliamentary candidate to be elected unopposed under the Fourth Republic.