Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party leaders in Gulu district are divided over the ‘‘sole’’ candidature of Simon Toolit Akecha for the Omoro district LCV seat.
Omoro district became operational on 1st July.
At a press briefing held by a section of FDC party members in Gulu Town on Thursday, Toolit was presented as the sole FDC flag bearer for Omoro District LCV seat.
Gulu District Woman MP Betty Aol Ocan and LCIII Chairperson Bardege Division Patrick Lumumba who addressed the press briefing rallied support for Toolit saying he [Toolit] is the best suited for the seat.
Lumumba told the press that Toolit was fronted following a ‘‘meeting held by FDC’ party member last week’’ to choose the best candidate for the Omoro Chairmanship. Lumumba said at the meeting found out that Toolit enjoys more support in Omoro district than other party member.
According to Lumumba, although Toolit lost twice in Omoro County parliamentary race to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah, FDC believes this time he will win with big margin.
He cites that Toolit lost twice in the past elections [2011 and February 2016] because Oulanyah rigged elections and connived with electoral commission to deny his candidate victories.
But FDC Publicity Secretary for Gulu District, Kelly Komakech who also attended the press conference rejected the decision to front Mr Toolit as a sole candidate in an interview with Acholi Times after the press conference.
‘‘Toolit didn’t even pick interest forms from the party,’’ Mr Komakech said adding that the
FDC party didn’t know of any meeting held in which Toolit was chosen as the ‘‘best candidate.’’ He cites that even if the meeting was held, Toolit cannot be fronted because he has twice failed to win elections.
Komakech said party leaders are going to convene a meeting soon to front candidates elections in Omoro district as an example of ‘‘democracy’’ in the party.
Toolit who is also the Gulu FDC Chairperson responded that he did not force himself to be fronted as a ‘‘sole’’ candidate for Omoro District Chairperson race arguing it was a ‘‘calling from his voters and trust bestowed upon him by party members.’’
Gulu District Returning officer Benson Obete confirmed to Acholi Times that only Toolit and NRM’s Douglas Peter Okello, LCV Councilor Lalogi Sub County have so far picked nominations forms.
Electoral commission (EC) has set July 19 and 20 this year as date for nominating candidates in Omoro district.
