The Democratic Party (DP) has officially pulled out of the Omoro County by-election to be held this month, thereby raising concerns from those who believe DP was asked to step aside by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
Only last month, Okello was selected by DP as their flag bearer for the said seat after it fell vacant upon the passing of former Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah, who died in March.
In contrast to DP critics claiming a hidden NRM hand in his decision, Okello says that his decision was prompted by his need to keep his good relationship with the people of Aruu County; where he contested as a Member of Parliament in the 2021 elections.
“Basing on my consultation with the people of Omoro, and also elders of the party, I have decided to withdraw my candidature from Omoro by-election as a DP flag bearer. The reason why I did that was because I contested as a member of Parliament for Aruu County and the people of Aruu followed and asked because I am their hope and they asked to keep me in Aruu.” he said.
The race to replace late speaker Jacob Oulanyah in Omoro County is now a contest between NRM’s candidate and also son of the late speaker, Andrew Ojok and a number of potential also-ran opposition candidates including Denis Dick Owani of FDC, Tolit Simon Akena of NUP and Kiiza Oscar of ANT.
According to the Electoral Commission, nomination of candidates for Omoro seat will be held on May 12 and 13.
Meanwhile, campaigns will run from May 16 to 24, 2022 before elections are held on May 26.
