FDC defector Atiku cries out to Tanga Odoi after overwhelming loss in NRM election

Ayivu county MP Bernard Atiku has petitioned NRM Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson Dr Fred Tanga Odoi over his defeat in the NRM primaries.

Weeks ago, Atiku crossed from main opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

He joined thousands to pick nomination forms from the NRM EC to participate in the primaries to elect flag bearers for the 2021 parliamentary polls.

With Arua attaining city status, Atiku opted for Ayivu Division West.

When the results came, Atiku had lost to businessman John Lematia in the NRM primaries held across the country on September 04.

Lematia garnered 10,129 votes against Atiku’s 4,485, Dennis Ayikobua’s 4,151, former Koboko district planner Fred Bada’s  2,677 and Dennis Anguyo’s 310.

But Atiku protested the results, citing electoral malpractices such as allowing children to vote and collusion in the tallying of results.

He has now petitioned Tanga Odoi, calling for cancellation of Lematia’s victory or else he contests as an independent.

In the 2016 election in Ayivu, Atiku contested as an independent candidate — although he was a known FDC member.

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