A candidate contesting for the SPLM Party Wulu County secretary position, Santino Moyo Gordon, was taken into police custody on Sunday, November 10, 2026, in Wulu Town, Lakes State. His supporters claim the charge against him was politically framed to keep him out of the race ahead of the party's congresses and primary elections scheduled for Tuesday.
According to William Mayiei, the Wulu County youth representative, Moyo was accused of committing adultery with somebody's wife last month, but the matter was initially amicably resolved. The husband had agreed to take one cow from Moyo and some money as compensation. However, Moyo was rearrested by the same person who claimed he needed the rest of his money.
The police had told the complainant to bring his wife to the station if he wanted to open a formal case and receive compensation of seven cows according to tradition, but he refused. The police then indicated they would not keep Moyo in custody unless the complainant brought his wife. Despite this, Moyo was rearrested on Sunday evening.
Moyo's supporters believe his opponent and his supporters are behind the arrest to keep Moyo in police custody until the primary elections are completed on Tuesday. They claim Moyo's opponent knows he will be defeated and is resorting to underhanded methods. Moyo's supporters had reported the matter to SPLM State Secretary Abraham Mayen Kuc and the county commissioner.
William Koji Kirjok, the state's caretaker information minister, confirmed Moyo's arrest over a private issue involving another man. He stated that the arrest was not politically motivated and that the county commissioner is working to secure Moyo's immediate release so he can contest in the SPLM primary elections.
The county commissioner reportedly told Kirjok that it is a normal case and that the primaries and congress elections will proceed on Tuesday, regardless of Moyo's custody status. Moyo's supporters are pushing for his release to allow him to participate in the elections.
The incident raises concerns about the use of underhanded tactics in the lead-up to the SPLM primary elections in Wulu County. Moyo's supporters are calling for his release and an end to what they see as politically motivated interference in the electoral process.
Key points
- The arrest of Santino Moyo Gordon has been disputed by his supporters, who claim it is a politically motivated move to prevent him from participating in the SPLM primary elections.
- Moyo's opponent is suspected by his supporters to be behind the arrest, as they believe he fears being defeated in the elections.
- The incident highlights tensions and challenges in the lead-up to the SPLM primary elections in Wulu County, South Sudan.
