The Supreme Court of Ghana, in a significant 4-1 majority decision on Wednesday, January 28, 2025, has unequivocally restored Matthew Nyindam as the duly elected Member of Parliament for the Kpandai constituency. This ruling overturned an earlier Tamale High Court judgment that had annulled his 2024 parliamentary election and ordered a rerun.

The apex court held that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, as the original election petition was filed outside the strict statutory 21-day timeline prescribed by law, which commences from the date the Electoral Commission (EC) gazetted the results on December 24, 2024.

Matthew Nyindam, a Member of Parliament for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed profound confidence in the Supreme Court’s decision, asserting that it is firmly grounded in law and cannot be overturned. He stated that all arguments raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had been thoroughly canvassed and considered by the justices. Despite the NDC's indication of pursuing a review, Mr. Nyindam remains unfazed, emphasizing that he was reinstated because the petition against him was filed out of time.

He also candidly shared the heavy financial and emotional toll the prolonged legal battle had taken on him, describing himself as financially drained and highlighting the immense pressure between November 24, 2024, when his seat came under legal challenge, and the scheduled rerun on December 30, 2024. He attributed his survival through this period to divine intervention and the crucial support of others.

The NDC, while respecting the Supreme Court’s ruling, has publicly maintained its disagreement and is awaiting the full reasoning of the apex court, expected on February 6, 2025, before deciding on a possible review. Dr. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the Deputy National Elections Director, argued that the Supreme Court’s decision focused on procedural technicalities rather than the veracity of the election results, which he implied were compromised. He stressed that the party’s concern remains the alleged irregularities that formed the basis of the original petition and not merely the timelines surrounding its filing.

Dr. Tanko-Computer further noted that the NDC would study the detailed judgment once it is released to determine whether sufficient grounds exist for a review application. He reiterated the party’s commitment to due process and democratic principles, assuring supporters in the Kpandai constituency that the NDC would exhaust all lawful avenues available to it.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has acknowledged the Supreme Court’s ruling and is expected to take steps to formally recognize Mr. Nyindam’s reinstatement, effectively nullifying plans for the previously ordered rerun election. The decision restores the NPP’s parliamentary seat in Kpandai and brings temporary closure to a dispute that had generated political tension within the constituency.

Political analysts say the ruling reinforces the Supreme Court’s long-standing position on strict adherence to constitutional timelines in election petitions, a stance that continues to shape Ghana’s electoral jurisprudence. They note that while the judgment resolves the legal question of jurisdiction, it also reignites broader debates about whether procedural compliance should outweigh substantive examination of alleged electoral malpractices.

As Kpandai residents await the full judgment, Mr. Nyindam has called for calm and unity, pledging to refocus on his parliamentary duties and constituency development. The coming weeks, however, may prove decisive as the NDC weighs its next legal steps and the political implications of the court’s decision continue to unfold.