The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party leadership in Dokolo South have declared their support for Vincent Opito, the UPC party candidate, in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
This move comes as a surprise to many, given that Opito had previously contested the Dokolo South parliamentary seat twice under the FDC party before making a switch to the UPC party last year.
The FDC party leaders in Dokolo South held a meeting in Cwagere market in Kangai sub county where they openly expressed their support for Opito, citing that he was a product of the FDC party and that his agenda remains unchanged despite his party switch.
Boniface Ongom, the FDC party chairperson for Dokolo South, confirmed the development, stating that Opito was mentored by the FDC party and that his core values remain the same.
“Opito was mentored by FDC party and the same agenda that he used to preach while in FDC still remains the same,” Ongom said. “We are not abandoning him just because he has joined another party. He is still our child, and we will continue to support him.”
Margret Obongi, the FDC party leader from Kwera sub-county, echoed similar sentiments, saying that just as a mother would not reject her child if they changed denominations, the FDC party would not reject Opito despite his party switch.
“As a mother, when your child joins another denomination, you don’t need to reject the child,” she said. “Though Opito has crossed to another party, he is still the FDC party product.”
Samuel Araca, the Adeknino Sub-county FDC chairperson, emphasized the need for change in leadership in Dokolo South, which has been under the leadership of incumbent MP Felix Okot of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party for 30 years.
“Dokolo South has suffered for 30 years, and we need a change in leadership,” he said. “Vincent Opito is the best candidate to bring about this change.”
Molly Olot from Abongipale also expressed her support for Opito, saying that mothers will always follow their children, just like they are kindly following Vincent Opito from FDC to date.
“Mothers will always follow their children, and that’s what we are doing,” she said. “We are following Vincent Opito, and we will support him to become the next MP for Dokolo South.”
Acot Sam, an FDC party leader in Okwongodul sub-county, also called for a change in leadership in Dokolo South, saying that it is time for the people to have a new leader.
“There must be political changes in Dokolo South in favor of Opito,” he said.
Candidate Vincent Opito then expressed gratitude for the support being given by FDC party leaders in Dokolo South.
Opito said he will not divide Dokolo South if he is elected an MP but will unite everyone regardless of political parties.
He adds that the only thing that Dokolo South needs is change in leadership and development.
