The National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate in the Gogonyo County Member of Parliament by-election Mr. Joseph Opolot Okoboi has opted out of the race in favour of the NRM Candidate Derrick Orone barely a week after nominations.
His withdrawal followed a dialogue initiated by Papa Paul Sande Emorot, the Emorimori of Iteso in what he claims to be for the good of the region and the kingdom.
In a press statement, the Emorimori revealed that he had cordial discussions with Joseph Okoboi before an agreement was reached. “I have had cordial discussions with my son Mr Joseph Okoboi Opolot of Gogonyo, Paliisa District on various matters of common interest pertaining to the Unity of our people the ITESO and the country at large,”reads part of the press statement.
The press statement further reads that, “Upon my advise and in the interest of our people and the Unity of the region, he has agreed to step aside and withdraw his candidature for any leadership role in Gogonyo”.
The nomination of candidates was conducted on Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd August, 2022 at the Office of the District Returning Officer, Pallisa where Forum for Democratic Change party together with National Unity Platform settled for a joint candidate.
Three candidates were nominated after a two days robust work. The trio at the time included Mr. Derrick Orone, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flagbearer, Mr Issa Taligola (Independent), and Mr Joseph Okoboi Opolot, for the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Okoboi’s withdrawal from the race only means, his promises to the people of Gogonyo County are a butch of myths.
By press time, the renegade politician and his party officials were out of reach.
The Gogonyo County Member of Parliament seat fell vacant after the Court of Appeal ruled that the incumbent, Mr Derrick Orone, was irregularly elected following a petition by his rival, Mr Issa Taligola.
The by-election is slated for August 11 2022.