Kpandai Member of Parliament, Matthew Nyindam, has expressed profound relief and vindication following a landmark Supreme Court decision that restored his parliamentary seat. The apex court, in a 4–1 majority ruling on a recent Wednesday, overturned a High Court judgment that had annulled his election. This decisive outcome concluded a year-long legal battle that Mr Nyindam described as one of the most challenging periods of his political life, marked by intense fear, uncertainty, and significant emotional strain.

The Supreme Court upheld Mr Nyindam’s application, invoking its supervisory jurisdiction to correct a critical jurisdictional error committed by the High Court in Tamale. The Court effectively reinstated him as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Kpandai. Mr Nyindam had consistently argued that his election victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections was legitimate and free of any wrongdoing, a conviction he maintained throughout the ordeal.

A core aspect of Mr Nyindam's legal argument revolved around the constitutional timeline for filing election petitions. He emphasized that the law mandates a strict 21-day window for such petitions to be filed after the official gazette date of election results. He cited the Supreme Court’s earlier unanimous ruling that affirmed December 24, 2024, as the official gazette date, a fact confirmed by the Electoral Commission. Given that the petition challenging his victory was filed on January 25, 2025, Mr Nyindam contended that the matter should not have proceeded. He believed that to uphold the dignity and sanity of the courts, this verdict was essential and should ideally have been unanimous.

Reflecting on the emotional toll, Mr Nyindam openly admitted to almost losing hope as he headed to court. He revealed he walked into the courtroom unsure of the outcome, explaining that being in opposition and observing recent election-related court decisions had created a climate of unpredictability. "I knew very well that I won this election," he stated, adding that despite allegations of irregularities, he remained confident in the mandate given to him by voters. He described the past year as "hell" and an experience he would not wish upon any colleague in Parliament, noting it denied him the peace to function fully as a legislator.

In the face of profound uncertainty, Mr Nyindam spoke of surrendering the outcome entirely to his faith. "I told my God that, look, I have nobody to speak for me. I’ve trusted in God for some time now, and I hope and pray that by the time the judges will speak, God should speak through them," he recounted. He admitted that doubt lingered despite his legal confidence, particularly influenced by other judicial outcomes he had observed in the country.

The Kpandai MP also disclosed that he had mentally prepared himself for any eventuality, including the possibility of a fresh election. He acknowledged that such a contest would be incredibly challenging, as he would effectively be running against the state's influence rather than just an opponent, with "all the state powers, ministers, CEOs, everybody" campaigning. Nevertheless, he asserted his readiness to accept the people's decision, trusting in destiny.

Mr Nyindam’s political journey in Kpandai began in 2013 when he first won the seat, breaking a two-decade stronghold by the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He recalled campaigning as a classroom teacher against a sitting MP who had served for 20 years and held a ministerial position, emphasizing how he "advertised myself, availed myself to the people, and they elected me against all the odds." With the Supreme Court's ruling, he now feels that divine justice has prevailed, reaffirming his legitimate mandate.