FDC Rejects Decision by Soroti County Party Candidate to Withdraw from Race

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has taken a firm stand against attempts by its Soroti County parliamentary flag bearer, Daniel Eigu, to withdraw from the 2026 general election race, insisting that his candidature remains valid under the law.

Eigu recently announced his decision to step down from the race and quit the opposition party, publicly declaring his support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and candidates of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). His move has since sparked legal and political contention within the FDC leadership.

In his formal letter to the Electoral Commission dated December 22, 2025, Eigu requested that his name be removed from the list of duly nominated candidates, noting that although he had been nominated on October 22, 2025, his decision to withdraw was made freely and with full awareness of the legal implications.

But in a letter dated December 26, 2025, FDC Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi wrote to the Acting Secretary of the Electoral Commission, asserting that the party had not sanctioned Eigu’s withdrawal and therefore did not recognise it. The correspondence was a direct response to a December 23 letter from the Commission, as well as Eigu’s own notice of withdrawal.

Mafabi cited Section 36(3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which provides that a candidate nominated on a political party ticket cannot withdraw from an election without the express approval of that party. “Eigu is our duly nominated candidate for Soroti County Constituency in Soroti District and cannot withdraw at will,” 

Mafabi stated, emphasising the party’s legal authority over the matter. Despite Eigu’s public pronouncement, the FDC leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to actively campaign for him and all other party candidates until the official close of campaigns and elections to be held on January 15, 2026. “Therefore, the Party shall not withdraw Eigu from the race, and we shall continue campaigning for him with other Party candidates until the end of campaigns,” the letter reads.

Copies of the communication were shared with FDC Party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi, Eigu himself, and the Soroti District Returning Officer, signalling the party’s expectation that Eigu remains bound by his nomination and resumes his campaign responsibilities.

Eigu, who has served as FDC Chairperson for Soroti District since 2020, announced his decision following consultations that reportedly included a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni. In a public statement, he said his move was the result of deep personal reflection and a desire to prioritise unity and development for the people of Soroti County and the wider Teso sub-region.

“I believe stepping aside will allow me to collaborate with the ruling party to address urgent development needs,” he said. He maintained that his commitment to public service remains intact despite the shift in political alignment.

The Soroti County parliamentary seat remains hotly contested ahead of the 2026 polls. Other candidates in the race include Patrick Aeku of the NRM, as well as independents Stephen Ejoku and Samuel Eninu, alongside Jimmy Oriokot of the People’s Progressive Party.