The Democratic Party has revealed that Deo Njoki has not withdrawn his candidature in the Busia district LC V by-election despite his nomination to the Human Rights Commission.
The Opposition sole candidate in the race, Deo Njoki Hasubi was last week nominated by the Electoral Commission (EC) and is contesting alongside Mr Paul Boniface Oguttu, the flag bearer for National Resistance Movement party (NRM), Chrispus Bwire, Tony Ojambo and Geoffrey Wandera, all independent candidates,
Speaking at DP headquarter party president general, Norbert Mao said, nomination of Deo Njoki to the Uganda Human Rights Commission is in bad faith, a dagger aimed at the heart of opposition unity.
“Top party leaders met the candidate, democracy seeking forces should resist crumbs and fight for the full loaf of emancipation,” said Mr Mao.
“High intrigue that Deo Njoki has been nominated to the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Hasubi’s appointment was seen by many as a tool to rule him out of the race. I have strongly urged him to say no, biting the bait would be extreme treachery. He will be denounced as a deserter and treated as such,” he said
In a letter to his party, Njoki said he has not yet given up contesting for the district seat and that he was merely informing his party.
He said the letter does not say that I have pulled out the race as many are speculating. “I only communicated to the party about the appointment, which came after I had been nominated. We will soon sit as the party and discuss it,”
The Busia District Chairperson seat fell vacant after Court of appeal nullified the election of Mr. Adea Ouma on grounds that he was six years ago convicted of corruption and therefore, the law bars him from holding any public office for a specified period.
Polling will take place on November 28, 2018.