By Adnan Adams Mohammed
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially directed its constituency chairmanship candidate for the Juaben Constituency, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, to step aside from all internal election activities pending the outcome of an ongoing police probe.
The decision, which was announced in an official press statement released on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, aims to ensure an unhindered investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
According to the party’s leadership, the move comes as a follow-up to an earlier communication issued regarding Mr. Abdulai’s candidature in the chairmanship race.
”After further consideration, FEC has directed that Mr. Zakaria Abdulai step aside, in the overriding interest of transparency and accountability, to allow for an unhindered investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service,” stated NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.
Addressing potential speculation regarding the party’s stance on the allegations, the General Secretary emphasized that the directive does not constitute an admission or finding of guilt against the candidate.
”This position is taken in good faith and is in no way a determination of the merits of the allegations against Mr. Abdulai, who remains entitled to the presumption of innocence,” Kwetey noted in the statement. He further expressed confidence in the law enforcement agency, adding, “The Party trusts that the CID will conduct a thorough, fair and expeditious investigation, and will be guided by its outcome.”
Following the executive directive, local party election committees have been instructed to enforce the decision immediately. Copies of the press release have been formally served to both the Ashanti Regional Election Committee and the Juaben Constituency Election Committee to take note and comply with the directive.
The NDC leadership has appealed to party members, constituency executives, and the general public to remain calm as the CID proceeds with its investigations.
