The Acting Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahdi Gibril, has defended the party’s decision to direct Zakaria Abdulai, an aspiring constituency chairman for the Juaben Constituency, to step aside with immediate effect following sexual abuse allegations made against him.
According to him, the measure was the best the party could take under the current circumstances to allow the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to conduct an unhindered investigation into the allegations.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mahdi Gibril explained that the directive was issued despite the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) having previously cleared Mr Abdulai to contest.
He noted that the NDC is a party that listens to the public, as political entities exist to serve the people, and every decision must reflect the public interest.
He acknowledged the sensitivity of the case and the intense public reactions it has generated, urging all parties involved to exercise circumspection when discussing the matter.
“We are a political party operating in Ghana; we do not exist on an island. It was important for us to listen to Ghanaians and understand the gravity of the issues raised. Although we have not pronounced any guilt against him, asking him to step aside allows the investigation to proceed without hindrance. We therefore deserve to be commended for listening to the people and acting accordingly.”
“The Functional Executive Committee had earlier cleared Mr Zakaria Abdulai to contest, but as a political party that exists to serve the public, we had to reflect the will and interest of the people. Asking him to step aside with immediate effect was the best decision the party could take under the current circumstances.”
“This is a deeply sensitive case that has generated strong public reactions. While investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) are underway, it is vital that everyone remains circumspect in how we discuss the matter publicly.”
Mahdi Gibril further stated that the NDC deserves commendation for acting swiftly and heeding public calls to disqualify the aspirant.
Addressing questions regarding the timeline between the party’s withdrawal directive and Mr Abdulai’s subsequent decision to resign his position and step down, Mahdi Gibril emphasised that the key outcome is that Mr Abdulai is no longer contesting or holding office.
He asserted that the party operates within Ghanaian society rather than in isolation, making it crucial to understand the concerns of the public and respond accordingly.
He clarified that the NDC has not passed judgment or pronounced Mr Abdulai guilty, but requested him to step aside so that investigations can proceed smoothly. He concluded that the party’s decisive action warrants commendation.
“This is a deeply sensitive case that has generated strong public reactions. While investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) are underway, it is vital that we as a party also act in a manner that is acceptable.
“Regardless of the sequence of events concerning the directive and his decision to resign, the most important outcome is that Mr Abdulai is no longer holding any position or contesting in the constituency race.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana