Stephen Dieu Dau has emerged victorious in the SPLM gubernatorial primaries in Upper Nile State, garnering 120 votes to secure the party's nomination. This development positions him as the party's flag bearer for the December 2026 elections. The election process was overseen by a high-level SPLM National Leadership delegation that arrived in Malakal to supervise and preside over the party's Upper Nile State Congress.
The SPLM Secretary-General, Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, declared Dieu Dau the party's chairperson in Upper Nile State following his victory. A total of 14 candidates contested for the gubernatorial nomination, but Dieu Dau's significant lead ensured his position. Other notable candidates included 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, also received three votes. Gabriel Isaac came second with 38 votes and was confirmed as the deputy SPLM chairperson in the state. Other candidates and their respective results were: John Kor, 34 votes; Ayon Awer, 11; Ramadan Chany, 11; Babriel Tut, 10; Awer Dau, 3; Bol Chuang, 3; Deng Joh, 1; and Alhadi Mongluak, 1.
Dieu Dau and Isaac were immediately sworn into their respective party positions. The primaries were part of the SPLM's efforts to organise its structures and strengthen grassroots leadership across the ten states and three administrative areas. This process allows party members to deliberate and elect new state leadership ahead of the December 2026 general elections.
The high-level SPLM National Leadership delegation was jointly led by SPLM Third Deputy Chairperson Simon Kun Puoch and Secretary-General Dr. Akol Paul Kordit. They were received at Malakal Airstrip by party members, state party leaders, traditional authorities, women and youth groups. The delegation was also received by Upper Nile State Caretaker Governor James Koang Chuol Ranley, county caretaker commissioners and state ministers at the state secretariat.
Dieu Dau 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 these roles could potentially strengthen his gubernatorial campaign.
The SPLM's exercise to elect new state leadership is part of its preparations for the December 2026 general elections. The party aims to ensure that its structures are well-organised and that grassroots leadership is strengthened across the country. With Dieu Dau as the party's flag bearer, the SPLM is expected to intensify its campaign efforts in Upper Nile State.
Key points
- Stephen Dieu Dau won the SPLM gubernatorial primaries in Upper Nile State with 120 votes.
- Dieu Dau was declared the party's chairperson in Upper Nile State by SPLM Secretary-General Dr. Akol Paul Kordit.
- The SPLM aims to strengthen grassroots leadership across the ten states and three administrative areas ahead of the December 2026 general elections.
