Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), says the party cannot go beyond reprimanding those implicated in allegations of inducements during its internal elections.
He was emphatic that this can only be achieved unless it “assumes the role of a state institution.”
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr Gbande defended the party’s handling of claims that aspirants offered inducements, including television sets and cash, to delegates during the primary held on Saturday, February 7.
He argued that while the conduct described to the party was unacceptable, the NDC’s disciplinary options remain limited under its current internal rules.
“The description of what has transpired to us constituted an inappropriate conduct,” he said, stressing that the matter was not framed as a direct constitutional breach within the party’s own structures.
“Because, again, if it was captured in our Constitution, I’m sure that it would have been given a different description,” Mustapha Gbande added.
His comments come amid criticism that the NDC publicly acknowledged wrongdoing but failed to enforce consequences beyond statements.
Host Evans Mensah challenged him directly, saying that there was criticism that nothing happened.
“You confirmed that the votes have been bought, yeah. And yet there was absolutely no consequence,” the host quizzed.
Mr Gbande responded by pointing to what he described as a key action taken against Baba Jamal, a senior government appointee and ambassador linked to the controversy.
“Number one, Baba Jamal, who is actually an appointee, the only government appointee, senior government appointee, an ambassador in that election, was reprimanded by President Mahama,” he said.
Mr Gbande said the reprimand was linked to the administration’s “reset agenda,” which he said has produced a new code of conduct for government appointees.
“One, because the reset agenda accumulated into the establishment of a code of conduct, for the first time, that sets the conduct of all government appointees,” he stated.
He added that “the mere fact that this controversy had to do with his involvement was enough for the President to make a decision,” insisting the party welcomed the move.
When asked what would happen to others involved, Gbande insisted the party cannot impose sanctions beyond what its structures allow.
“Can you go beyond reprimand when the conduct is inappropriate? No, unless we want to assume the role of a state institution, which we don’t have that capacity,” he said.
He maintained that the party’s decision to openly address the issue and set up processes to stop the practice should be recognised.
“But the mere fact that we are here talking about it and seeking to bring an end to that menace in itself is an effort that is worth commending,” he added.
Mr Gbande also suggested the NDC’s public stance should pressure other parties to take similar steps.
“And so we actually thought that even by the mere statement that we took a drastic position on this matter, it’s enough,” he said.
“It hasn’t happened in the history of this country. What we then expect at this time is that other political parties will now rise from their slumber.”
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
