ODM leader Raila Odinga with Busia gubernatorial hopeful, Paul Otuoma. [Photo/edaily.co.ke]
Funyula Member of Parliament Paul Otuoma has hinted at vying for the Busia governor post as an independent candidate.
This comes after ODM’s National Elections Board cancelled Busia governor nominations results for Teso South and Teso North, citing massive irregularities.
The NEB had ordered that the primaries, pitting Otuoma and Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, be repeated in the two areas on April 25.
Otuoma has since protested the decision, demanding that he be given the ODM ticket to contest for Busia governor come August 8.
He has maintained he will not participate in the repeat exercise.
Speaking during a rally in Busia on Wednesday, the lawmaker said he will vie for the seat with or without the ODM ticket.
“This whole situation is becoming stale. I have already made the decision. I will run for the governorship seat with or without ODM certificate. They are trying to introduce a tribal angle which has a long time effect to our people,” said Otuoma.
The MP said he did not want to put at risk his party leader’s bid for the presidency, or divide the Orange party.
“I don't want to do anything that will jeopardise Raila Odinga’s chances for the presidency. I do not want to divide the ODM party,” he said.
Otuoma has marinated that his rival in the nominations, Ojaamong, orchesttated rigging in the primaries, and does not deserve the ticket.
“It is Ojaamong who has committed a crime. Not Teso people. I want you to give me the assurance that Busia governor will be determined by residents of Busia,” he told the cheering crowd.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Wednesday said that any aspirant wishing to vie for an elective seat on August 8 must not be a member of any political party by May 8.