Unity State denies election obstruction claims after Yau Yau leaves without completing SPLM primaries

Unity State has denied allegations that Caretaker Governor Dr. Joseph Manytuil Wejang intends to defy presidential directives or obstruct the SPLM primary elections, following the departure of an electoral committee led by Gen. David Yau Yau for Juba before completing the primaries.

The response follows reports of a halt in the party’s primary elections in Unity State.

SPLM High-Level Electoral Committee member David Yau Yau left Bentiu for Juba after spending nearly two weeks organising party congresses to select candidates for governor and parliament.

Sources in Bentiu said tensions arose over reports that Manytuil intended to seek the SPLM nomination for governor.

There were also reports that caretaker county commissioners had been instructed to contest for SPLM county chairperson positions.

Some activists said the reported plans went against a presidential order barring caretaker officials from contesting in the elections.

They also said Yau Yau had insisted on following party rules and national directives.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Caretaker Minister of Information and Communications Nyakenya Johannes Keah rejected allegations of defiance, intimidation and obstruction of the electoral process, describing them as unverified.

Keah said the party’s electoral process in Unity State had been conducted in an orderly manner, with several aspirants taking part.

The state government urged those with complaints to use the appropriate government and party channels to resolve their concerns.

However, uncertainty remains over when the primaries will resume following Yau Yau’s departure for Juba.

SPLM Secretary-General Akol Paul has yet to respond to questions about the status of the primaries in Unity State.