NDM, two other parties threaten to sue Political Parties Council over leadership changes

Three political parties belonging to a faction of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) have threatened legal action against the Political Parties Council over changes to their registered leadership.

The National Democratic Movement (NDM), the Federal Democratic Party and the South Sudan National Movement for Change accuse the Council’s Chairperson, James Akol Zakayo, of exceeding his legal powers by changing their registered leaders and adding new political entities to the official list of parties.

Speaking to Eye Radio, NDM Secretary of Information Kai Tap confirmed that the Ministry of Justice had received their notice of intention to sue the Council.

“These are a legal procedure and as well legal step that are done. So, any time that this case reach it is stage where we are needed, the public will know. So, we have reached it to the concerned institution like the Ministry of Justice and this normal legal procedure because it is the Attorney General of the government,” he said.

Tap said the parties are following up on the matter and expect a response within about one week. He added that the parties would inform the public of any developments.

“Also, now we are following the case. There’s no response yet that’s what we are saying and we are following. So, any time that positive response come out so we will reach the public, and they will know from us or if also there’s no response the party will decide more about it. Our expectation supposes in all this procedure it is normally a week,” he added.

According to a notice submitted through their lawyer, Paulino A. Adowin, the three parties are challenging an order they say changed their registered leadership.

The notice states that the Political Parties Council published a list of 39 registered political parties after registration closed on June 30, 2026.

However, the parties claim that a new list circulated in Juba in September changed their registered leaders and added new political entities.

They argue that the Council’s chairperson acted beyond his legal authority and violated provisions of the Political Parties Act, 2012, as amended.

The parties are asking the court to declare the leadership changes null and void, suspend their implementation pending a final ruling, and award compensation for disruptions caused by the changes.

The notice of intention to sue does not, by itself, mean that a court case has been formally filed.

Eye Radio has not yet received a response from the Political Parties Council regarding the allegations.