By Nathan Eyagu

Soroti City - In a development that has caught many by surprise, Okwi John Junior Ekutelek, a former contender in the Soroti City East NRM parliamentary primaries, has officially withdrawn his petition challenging the victory of Orego Isaac, signaling a dramatic U-turn in the internal party contest.

Ekutelek, who had initially raised concerns over alleged electoral irregularities in the July NRM primaries, submitted a formal withdrawal letter dated 31st July 2025 to Mr. John Musiime, the Chairperson of the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal. In his letter, he cited issues ranging from fabrication of results in certain wards, heavy security deployment in his political strongholds, and the alleged denial of access to polling agents—claims that had stirred tension within party circles.

"While I had raised serious concerns regarding the irregularities during the electoral process, I have decided to withdraw the petition in good faith,” Ekutelek stated.

His unexpected move has left supporters and political observers questioning whether his decision was the result of internal party negotiations, strategic compromise, or quiet pressure from senior figures within the ruling party. Sources close to the NRM Secretariat indicate that high-level consultations were held in recent days to de-escalate mounting tensions in the Soroti City East race.

Despite stepping down from the petition, Ekutelek maintained a tone of loyalty and unity in his letter, saying he remains committed to the National Resistance Movement and its broader objectives.

"I am guided by the spirit of statesmanship and the core values of our party—particularly the principle of patriotism and unity," he added. “I pledge to mobilize support to ensure a record-breaking vote for the President and NRM Chairman in the upcoming general elections.”

The withdrawal was officially acknowledged and stamped by the NRM Secretariat, Electoral Commission, and Election Disputes Tribunal on July 31, 2025. Copies of the letter were also sent to top party leadership including the National Chairman, Secretary General, Chairman Electoral Commission, RCC Soroti City, CISO, and local party officials.

With Ekutelek’s petition now off the table, Orego Isaac’s nomination stands unchallenged within the party—clearing the way for him to represent NRM in the Soroti City East parliamentary race in 2026.

While some applaud Ekutelek’s move as a selfless act in the interest of party unity, others view it as a missed opportunity to test the strength of internal democratic processes within the ruling party.