Anthony Nukpenu Issues Dire Warning Over Dome Kwabenya Rerun: “We Can’t Guarantee Safety”

Tensions are escalating in the Dome Kwabenya constituency as Anthony Nukpenu, the Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a stark warning regarding the safety of electoral officers ahead of the rerun at the Abokobi Women’s Development Centre.

The rerun, ordered by the Electoral Commission (EC), has been rejected by the NDC, with Nukpenu asserting that the decision disregards the community’s overwhelming support for the NDC’s candidate, Elikplim Akurugu, during the December 7 polls.

In an interview on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, December 29, 2024, Nukpenu expressed grave concerns over the safety of EC officials if the rerun proceeds.

“For us, we have not taken any decision, but if they should go ahead, I can’t guarantee their safety. I can’t guarantee the safety of the electoral officers that will be deployed to conduct that single polling station because the community has indicated clearly… they have voted,” Nukpenu stated.

He alleged that the residents of Abokobi, who believe their original votes already declared the winner, would resist any attempts to conduct a fresh election, hinting at potential unrest should the rerun proceed.

The NDC organiser underscored the community’s staunch opposition to the rerun and warned the EC against deploying security forces to impose the rerun.

“Nobody should think they are going to use the police or the military to intimidate the people of Abokobi. They will rise to the occasion, and what people want to see, they will see it,” Nukpenu cautioned.

Residents of the constituency, he noted, have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, asserting that the December 7 polls already reflected their choice and any further action by the EC would be seen as undermining their democratic rights.

The Electoral Commission’s directive to rerun elections at the polling station stems from reported irregularities. However, the NDC has challenged the EC’s decision, claiming it is a ploy to disenfranchise their supporters and alter the results in favour of the opposition.

The original results, according to Nukpenu, showcased an overwhelming victory for NDC candidate Elikplim Akurugu, and the community has vowed to resist any actions they perceive as attempts to manipulate the outcome.

As the rerun date looms, fears of possible clashes between residents and electoral officials have intensified. Political analysts have called for immediate dialogue between the EC, political parties, and community leaders to address grievances and ensure a peaceful resolution.