The United Conservative Party (UCP) is naming incumbent MLA, Tany Yao, as the official UCP candidate for the riding of Fort McMurray – Wood Buffalo.
Tany Yao was first elected MLA in 2015 but lost the right to represent the UCP during a heated nomination race in December 2022. Zulkifl Mujahid won the nomination, and the right to run as the UCP candidate, beating out both Yao and Construction Association President, Keith Plowman.
Earlier this week, the UCP said they are disqualifying Mujahid from running under the UCP banner. The party said the disqualification was due to Mujahid having legal matters before the court during the writ of election.
Harvard Media News uncovered a restraining order issued against Mujahid on April 3rd. The matter will be going before the court on May 8th. In addition to the restraining order, Mujahid is facing a defamation lawsuit. The plaintiff in the suit is different from the individual involved in the restraining order.
Recently, Harvard Media News received an unconfirmed email purporting to be from the Board of the Fort McMurray – Wood Buffalo riding association suggesting that the board would continue to endorse Zulkifl Mujahid. Harvard Media News has not yet been able to confirm the veracity of the email.
The provincial election is scheduled for May 29th with the writ expected to be dropped on May 1st.