By Adnan Adams Mohammed
Nii Lante Vanderpuye, the National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), has sent a clear message to the National Democratic Congress (NDC): pursuing a Supreme Court review of the Kpandai parliamentary ruling may be a “fruitless exercise.”
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Thursday, January 29, the former Minister for Youth and Sports urged his party to weigh the costs of prolonged legal battles against the potential for actual political gain.
A Call for Strategic Reflection
Mr. Vanderpuye emphasized that post-election litigation often serves as a drain on a party’s most vital assets—time, money, and political momentum. Rather than strengthening a candidate’s position, he argued that extended court cases can actually weaken the party’s prospects for future elections.
“Falling is not the end of your life,” Vanderpuye remarked. “Sometimes it is better to go back, reflect, and come back again. I think it will be a fruitless exercise unless they think there is enough fact and evidence.”
The Risk of “Fruitless” Litigation
While the NDC has signaled its intent to seek a review once they have thoroughly studied the certified true copy of the judgment, Vanderpuye remains skeptical of the strategic value. His advice centers on three key risks of pursuing the review:
Financial Exhaustion: The high cost of Supreme Court proceedings.
Political Distraction: Shifting focus away from grassroots reorganisation and national strategy.
Diminishing Returns: The low probability of overturning apex court decisions without “compelling” new evidence.
NDC’s Current Stance
Despite these warnings, the NDC leadership has maintained that the legal process is not yet over. The party continues to insist that it will explore every available legal avenue to contest the Kpandai seat, pending a final review of the court’s written reasons.
Vanderpuye’s comments highlight a burgeoning debate within the party regarding whether to prioritize “legal justice” or “electoral readiness” as the political calendar progresses toward the next major cycle.
