By Deng Athian
The race for the governorship of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State (NBGs) is gaining momentum, with 15 aspirants reportedly seeking the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) ticket ahead of South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
The SPLM opened its nomination process this month for members seeking to contest governorships, parliamentary seats, and chief administrator positions.
The SPLM National Secretariat had set a non-refundable registration fee of SSP 3 million for aspirants seeking the party’s nomination, expecting to shortlist qualified applicants for grassroots primaries to determine its flag bearer for the governorship race.
The contest has attracted former governors, political leaders, military figures, and younger aspirants.
Prominent contenders include former governors Hon. Deng Deng Akuei, Tong Akeen Ngor, and Simon Ober Mawut.
Other notable aspirants include former Deputy Governor Athian Teng Angok and Angelo Uguak Wad Aroan, a member of the SPLM Political Bureau and prominent political leader.
The aspirants have highlighted food security, peace, security, agricultural production, and economic empowerment as priorities for the state.
Deng Deng Akuei has pledged to improve food security, strengthen security, and promote peaceful coexistence with neighbouring Sudanese communities along the border.
“I will prioritise improved food security and better security while promoting peaceful coexistence with our neighbours along the border,” Akuei said.
Akeen had pledged to boost agricultural production for sustainable food security while promoting peace, unity, and development.
“My priorities are to improve agricultural production for sustainable food security, maintain peace and unity, and promote development for our people,” Ngor said.
Meanwhile, Simon Ajonga Damasio, popularly known as Majuetdit, has pledged to empower women and young people through business opportunities and employment creation.
“I will prioritise the empowerment of women and youth by promoting business opportunities and employment to improve livelihoods,” Ajonga said.
The governorship contest comes as preparations for the December elections intensify. The National Elections Commission (NEC) is responsible for organising the polls under the applicable electoral laws.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dissolved the transitional government and legislative assemblies and appointed caretaker administrations as the country prepares for the elections.
The SPLM called for commitment to holding the elections as scheduled, while the SPLM-IO has emphasised political consensus, freedom to campaign, fair media access, and adequate funding.
The South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) also presented its position on the planned polls.