SPLM cadres in GPAA reject proposed return of Nadia Arop to lead party primaries
A group of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) cadres in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has objected to the proposed return of Nadia Arop as head of the party’s high-level delegation overseeing the primary elections in the area.
The objection comes after the SPLM suspended its ongoing party congresses and primary elections in GPAA on Thursday, November 5, citing unspecified technical challenges.
The suspension was announced in a directive issued by Nadia, who leads the high-level committee overseeing the process in the area. The GPAA State Congress had been scheduled for Friday, November 6, but was postponed until further notice.
In the directive, Arap-Dudi asked delegates to remain on standby, saying a new date would be communicated officially. She also urged party members to maintain discipline as arrangements were made to resume the process.
The primaries, which are intended to select candidates for the December 2026 General Elections and restructure the party, had been underway in GPAA for more than a week.
In a letter addressed to SPLM Secretary-General Dr Akol Paul Kordit, the cadres questioned Nadia’s neutrality, accusing her of supporting one of the contestants and attempting to influence the outcome of the primaries.
They also raised concerns about her technical adviser, former SPLM Secretary-General Beko Konyi, whom they accused of supporting former Chief Administrator Gola Boyio Gola, who is also contesting in the primaries.
The group further alleged that Konyi, who serves as an adviser to caretaker Chief Administrator Joseph Boyoi Ngare, had used political influence to intimidate people.
The cadres said they feared the proposed return of Nadia and her team could undermine the credibility and fairness of the party’s internal elections. They called on Dr Akol to consider their concerns and reject the proposed return.
The allegations were contained in a press statement read on behalf of the group. The statement did not include responses from Nadia, Konyi or the caretaker Chief Administrator.
