Private legal practitioner Justice Abdulai has raised concerns over the Supreme Court’s swift decision to stay the execution of Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
His remarks followed the Court’s quick intervention, a move that has also drawn criticism from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking in an interview with Nana Tuffour Boateng on Channel One TV, Justice Abdulai expressed surprise at the unusual speed with which the case was handled, noting that legal processes typically take much longer to proceed.
He emphasized, “It’s quite surprising to witness such a rapid decision from the Supreme Court. It’s not common for cases to be filed and resolved in a single day with such urgency. It feels unprecedented and raises significant concerns.”
Justice Abdulai further questioned the legitimacy of the decision, stating, “This ruling doesn’t sit well with me—it feels questionable and prompts too many unanswered questions.”
Speaker Bagbin’s ruling, following a motion by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, invoked constitutional provisions that require MPs who plan to run as independent candidates to vacate their seats.
This affected Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).
Ahead of Bagbin’s ruling, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin took urgent legal steps by filing a request with the Supreme Court to clarify the status of the four MPs ahead of the December 2024 elections.
On Friday, he also sought a stay of execution of the Speaker’s ruling, which the Supreme Court granted, halting any further actions regarding the declaration of the seats as vacant.
