Stephen Dhieu wins SPLM Gubernatorial primaries in Upper Nile

Stephen Dhieu Dau has won the SPLM gubernatorial primaries in Upper Nile State, securing 120 votes to become the party’s flag bearer for the December 2026 elections. SPLM Secretary-General Dr Akol Paul Kordit also declared Dhieu the party’s chairperson in Upper Nile State following his victory. A total of 13 candidates contested for the gubernatorial nomination. Dhieu defeated former Upper Nile Governor Jacob Dollar, who received 12 votes, and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament, Kim Gai, who secured three votes. The only female aspirant, Advocate Ferida Philip Nyanan, received two votes. Gabriel Isaac came second with 38 votes and was confirmed as the deputy SPLM chairperson in the state.

The other candidates and their respective results were: John Kor, 34 votes; Ayon Awer, 11; Ramadan Chan, 11; Gabriel Tut, 10; Awer Dau, 3; Bol Chuang, 3; Deng Joh, 1; and Alhadi Moyick, 1. Dhieu and Isaac were immediately sworn into their respective party positions. The primaries followed the arrival of a high-level SPLM National Leadership delegation in Malakal to supervise and preside over the party’s Upper Nile State Congress. The delegation was jointly led by SPLM Third Deputy Chairperson Simon Kun Puoch and Secretary-General Dr Akol Paul Kordit. They were received at Malakal Airport by party members, state party leaders, traditional authorities, women and youth groups. The delegation was also received by Upper Nile State Caretaker Governor James Koang Chuol, county caretaker commissioners and state ministers at the state secretariat. According to a statement from the SPLM National…