John Dumelo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has filed a criminal complaint against incumbent MP Lydia Seyram Alhassan with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The complaint follows allegations that Lydia Alhassan distributed food to voters during the special voting exercise on December 2 at the Legon Police Station polling center. A video of the incident has fueled debates about voter influence and electoral fairness.
Dumelo, in a Facebook post, stated that his team submitted video evidence and other information supporting claims that Lydia Alhassan’s actions violated electoral and criminal laws. He also accused her of planning to influence voters on a larger scale during the main elections on December 7, 2024.
“We expect the OSP to take immediate and decisive steps to not only prevent MS. LYDIA SEYRAM ALHASSAN from repeating the unlawful behavior but also to bring her and all her accomplices to book,” Dumelo wrote.
Lydia Alhassan has defended her actions, explaining on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show that her gesture was motivated by compassion for those who appeared tired or hungry. She dismissed allegations of voter influence, stating her primary role at the polling center was to oversee the process as a stakeholder.
The OSP has yet to comment on the complaint.