Stephen Dhieu Dau has emerged as the winner of the SPLM gubernatorial primaries in Upper Nile State. He secured 120 votes, out of the total cast, to become the party's flag bearer for the December 2026 elections. The primaries, which took place in Malakal, saw 13 candidates contesting for the nomination. Dhieu's victory marks a significant milestone in his political career, which has included various ministerial positions.
The SPLM Secretary-General, Dr Akol Paul Kordit, declared Dhieu the party's chairperson in Upper Nile State following his victory. In addition to Dhieu's win, Gabriel Isaac came second with 38 votes and was confirmed as the deputy SPLM chairperson in the state. The other candidates and their respective results were: John Kor, 34 votes; Ayon Awer, 11; Ramadan Chan, 11; Gabriel Tut, 10; Awer Dau, 3; Bol Chuang, 3; Deng Joh, 1; and Alhadi Moyick, 1.
Dhieu defeated notable candidates, including former Upper Nile Governor Jacob Dollar, who received 12 votes, and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament, Kim Gai, who secured three votes. The only female aspirant, Advocate Ferida Philip Nyanan, received two votes. Dhieu and Isaac were immediately sworn into their respective party positions, marking the beginning of their new roles within the party.
The primaries were supervised by a high-level SPLM National Leadership delegation, jointly led by SPLM Third Deputy Chairperson Simon Kun Puoch and Secretary-General Dr Akol Paul Kordit. The delegation arrived in Malakal to oversee the party's Upper Nile State Congress, which aimed to allow party members to deliberate and elect new state leadership ahead of the December 2026 general elections.
According to a statement from the SPLM National Secretariat, the congress was part of the party's efforts to organise its structures and strengthen grassroots leadership across the ten states and three administrative areas. The party seeks to ensure a strong presence at the grassroots level, enhancing its chances in the upcoming general elections.
Dhieu has previously served in several ministerial positions, including Minister of Petroleum and Mining, Minister of Finance and Planning, and Minister of Trade and Investment. He also served as chairperson of the Board of Directors of the South Sudan Revenue Authority. His experience in various roles is expected to be an asset in his new position as the party's flag bearer in Upper Nile State.
The SPLM National Leadership delegation was received at Malakal Airport by party members, state party leaders, traditional authorities, women and youth groups. Upper Nile State Caretaker Governor James Koang Chuol, county caretaker commissioners, and state ministers also welcomed the delegation at the state secretariat. The reception marked a show of unity and support for the party's efforts to strengthen its leadership in the state.
Key points
- Stephen Dhieu Dau won the SPLM gubernatorial primaries in Upper Nile State with 120 votes.
- Dhieu defeated former Upper Nile Governor Jacob Dollar and EALA Member of Parliament Kim Gai.
- The primaries were supervised by a high-level SPLM National Leadership delegation.
