Hajia Zuweiratu Lariba, the incumbent Member of Parliament for the Walewale Constituency (North East Region) has opted out of the controversial New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary.
In a statement dated September 10, 2024, the MP said her decision was “in the interest of the greater good” of the NPP following a re-run poll that was declared inconclusive after it was marred by chaotic scenes that led to the arrest of three people.
“I will no longer be a candidate for MP in the 2024 elections. I am therefore formally withdrawing from the contest,” her statement read in part.
Zuweira, a one-time gender minister, entered Parliament after winning the 2020 elections and had expressed the intention to defend her seat. Her main challenger in the NPP primary late last year was Dr Tiah Kabiru Mahama, a Technical Advisor to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
Despite Mahama being declared winner, the MP challenged the matter in court following which a re-run was ordered by the court. Her formal withdrawal ends the back and forth as Kabiru Mahama is set to be declared the NPP parliamentary candidate for 2024.
See the MP’s withdrawal letter below:
