Ecweru Defends Independent Bid, Vows Not to ‘Legitimize Electoral Crime’
By Odeke Emma Akol
State Minister for Works and Amuria County MP, Musa Francis Ecweru, has once again defended his decision to contest for the Amuria County MP seat as an Independent candidate, stating it is a necessary step to prevent what he described as the “legitimization of electoral crime.”
Ecweru, who has represented Amuria County in Parliament for over two decades and held various ministerial positions, lost the party flag to Samuel Ediau, a relatively new figure in the NRM Party.
While addressing residents in Olianai Village, Amuria District over the weekend, Ecweru said his decision follows widespread evidence of irregularities in the recent NRM primaries, which he insists were marred by fraud and voter manipulation.
“I am standing as an independent NRM leader,” Ecweru declared. “If I don’t stand, I will be legitimizing crime. I repeat, if I don’t stand, I will be legitimizing crime.”
Citing a recent example, Ecweru pointed to claims that the winner of the Amuria District LCV NRM flag allegedly garnered 86,000 votes, despite the fact that the total number of registered voters in the district is only 53,000.
“This can be cross-checked with the Electoral Commission records,” Ecweru said. “When a victor gets 86,000 votes in a district of 53,000 voters, it shows you how diabolic and shameless some of these actors can be. Allowing such fraud to go unchallenged is not just wrong, it’s criminal.”
He added that while he respects NRM party regulations and remains loyal to its values, he cannot endorse what he described as a flawed and manipulated process.
“Much as I subscribe to the party and government guidelines, I will not legitimize fraud. If I keep quiet, I will be betraying the very principles of justice and democracy I have always stood for,” he emphasized.
The minister’s declaration was met with applause and chants of support, signaling a growing wave of enthusiasm among his backers. Many in attendance praised him for taking a bold stand against what they termed “electoral injustice.”
Political analysts say Ecweru’s decision to run as an Independent could reshape the race in Amuria County. His entry is expected to intensify competition with NRM flag bearer Samuel Ediau, who defeated him in the primaries, and possibly attract opposition candidates eager to capitalize on any split within the NRM support base.
