Turmoil in Amolatar: The postponement of NRM elections

28 May 2025, 11:38 am

By Sarah Ejang

The highly anticipated elections for the Amolatar National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Workers’ League have been postponed amid rising tensions, casting a shadow over the political landscape of the region.

Initially set to commence without any hitches, the electoral process quickly unravelled due to confrontations and disputes that surfaced even before the election itself.

One of the principal figures at the centre of this unrest is James Olobo Dubai, the incumbent chairperson of the NRM.

Tensions escalated when Olobo confronted Ms. Prossy Lamuno ONC, a designated coordinator from the Lango subregion, who was sent by the NRM secretariat to oversee the election process.

 According to Lamuno Prossy, the Lango subregion coordinator, the rift stems from previous exchanges where Olobo expressed displeasure over her refusal to provide him with the voter register he demanded.

Prossy articulated her frustration, asserting that Olobo’s grievances were unwarranted and rooted in a misconstrued sense of ownership over the party. “He needs to understand that the NRM cannot be treated as his personal property,” she remarked, emphasising the need for collaborative governance within the party.

The tensions were further exacerbated by confusion regarding the workers’ register, which led to the postponement of their elections.

There was significant contention about which register should be used; notably, the one available included names of individuals not affiliated with any specific union, raising essential questions about representation and eligibility.

As the events unfolded, the atmosphere became increasingly charged. During the proceedings aimed at electing the NRM chairperson, candidates James Olobo Dubai, and Joseph Angole voiced their discontent, threatening legal action if the mainstream election continued without first addressing the election of workers’ representatives.

The observers also confirmed that the dual were being supported with Ideas by Amb. Doreen Amule and Felix Adupa Ongwech

Their stance underscores the complexity of intra-party relations and highlights the necessity for a transparent and inclusive electoral process.

The culmination of these disputes led Mr. Ojok Henry, the District Registrar, to make the difficult decision to postpone the mainstream election indefinitely.

 This announcement did not sit well with all members of the NRM; discontent grew among the ranks, culminating in calls for Olobo’s removal as the chairperson.

The pressure mounted as Olobo attempted to leave the venue, where he faced an alarming attack from an unidentified assailant. Fortunately, he was able to escape unharmed, but the incident underscored the volatile environment surrounding the election.

As it stands, the chairperson position for the NRM remains contested by three candidates: Olwit Kamilo, Ocean Leo, and the embattled James Olobo Dubai.

The future of the NRM and the workers’ league in Amolatar now hangs in the balance as party members grapple with the implications of postponed elections and the mounting tension among leaders and constituents alike.

The need for unity and clarity within the party has never been more critical as they aim to navigate this tumultuous period and restore faith in their electoral process.