John Dumelo Apologises for Calling Hon Lydia Alhassan “Bloody Widow”

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, John Dumelo has rendered an unqualified apology after he called his opponent and incumbent MP for the area, Hon Lydia Alhassan, a “bloody widow”.

The actor has come under public backlash following his outburst during a debate with his opponent on Wednesday.

He is on record to have publicly accused Lydia of masterminding the death of her husband to earn the parliamentary seat after he lost his cool over some chants by supporters of his opponent.

“I can see their supporters mentioning V8 V8 V8. If that’s the case then it’s also fair to say that maybe Lydia is the one that killed her husband to become MP. If they want to go that tangent I can also go same tangent… You cannot decide to be a bloody widow to be a Member of Parliament.”

Dumelo has since issued an unqualified apology and retracted the comment.

A post he left on his Facebook wall on Thursday read, “I apologize and unreservedly retract my previous comments. I extend my sincere and unconditional apologies to Hon. Lydia Alhassan for my remarks during the Media General public engagement (Community Manifesto) concerning the death of her husband.”

According to him, the reaction he mave does not reflect his values.

“My comments were in response to personal attacks by supporters of the honourable minister, including false allegations regarding my mother’s death. However, I recognize that my reaction was inappropriate,” he tried justifying.

Reactions

The action of the actor has been widely condemned on social media.

“After watching the irresponsible behaviour of John Dumelo. My admiration for Hon. Lydia Alhassan soared. She has not reacted despite the unprovoked insults, lies and disrespect. That is a mark of a mature Politician. A good mother for Ayawaso West Wuogon,” one commented.

“From John Dumelo eroded some of the gains he has made over the past 4 years with this comment. It was provoked but his reaction to the provocation was disproportionate and extremely childish,” another jabbed.

One other commented, “You are emotionally unintelligent. You don’t deserve to be a representative of the Ayawaso West Wuogon people.”