Lamwo | Odoch Polycarp, the newly elected Lamwo district National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson, has pledged to prioritize unity, strategic reforms, and voter mobilization as he assumes party leadership in the district.
Odoch won the district elections on Friday, defeating his opponents and securing the top position in the ruling party’s local leadership.
In his victory speech, he emphasized the critical need for all NRM leaders to work together, regardless of past disagreements or election results, to strengthen the party’s presence and performance in Lamwo.
“I am grateful for the trust that the people and party delegates have placed in me. My top priority is to bring about unity and harmony among our party structures at all levels.
“Whether you succeeded or did not succeed in the recent party elections, you still have a valuable role to play in the growth and transformation of our party,” Odoch said.
He announced plans to immediately convene a consultative meeting with all party stakeholders in Lamwo, including former leaders and candidates, to chart a way forward for a more cohesive and effective NRM in the district.
“This is not a time for division. It is a time for healing, restructuring, and working together toward a common goal. We must rebuild trust and create an inclusive environment where every member feels heard and respected,” he added.
Odoch also highlighted his commitment to robust grassroots mobilization in preparation for the 2026 general elections. He said the NRM must reclaim and strengthen its support base by reaching out to the youth, women, and other key community groups.
“As we look toward the 2026 elections, our goal is clear: to secure a resounding victory for the NRM. To achieve that, we must reconnect with the people, understand their needs, and show them that the NRM is still the party of development and progress,” he emphasized.
Local party supporters welcomed Odoch’s election and his call for unity, expressing hope that his leadership will bring new energy and direction to the NRM in Lamwo.
Odoch takes over at a time when internal wrangles and declining grassroots support have posed challenges for the NRM in various parts of the country.
His leadership will be closely watched as the party prepares to consolidate its position ahead of the next national election cycle.
Putting voters first
A central pillar of Odoch’s agenda is voter engagement. He pledged to make the concerns and aspirations of ordinary citizens the foundation of the party’s strategy going forward.
“We cannot talk about building a strong NRM without putting the voters at the center. They are the reason we are here, and they must feel our presence not just during campaigns but consistently,” Odoch stated.
He said the new leadership would embark on grassroots mobilization campaigns across all sub-counties in Lamwo to listen to the people’s needs, rebuild trust, and reintroduce the party as a true partner in development.
“Many voters feel neglected or disconnected from political leadership. We must restore their confidence by being visible, accessible, and responsive. Our goal is not just to win votes, but to win hearts and minds with a message of progress, peace, and inclusion,” he added.
Targeting youth and marginalized groups
Recognizing that young people make up the largest voting bloc, Odoch said the NRM must reinvent itself to become more appealing to the youth by creating space for them within party structures and addressing issues like unemployment, education, and access to economic opportunities.
“We will launch targeted programs that speak directly to the needs of the youth and women. These groups are vital for our success, and they must feel they have a stake in the party,” he said.
The announcement of a voter-focused leadership strategy has been welcomed by many NRM supporters in Lamwo, who see it as a necessary shift toward inclusive and people-driven politics.
Atii Florence, one of the NRM supporters from Lukung sub-county, Lamwo, said “Odoch’s election has brought a new sense of hope. We believe he understands the grassroots and will not wait until the last minute to engage with voters.”
Speaking on the conduct of the elections, the Lamwo District NRM Registrar, Denish Hossborn Okwera, commended all candidates and voters for maintaining peace, transparency, and order throughout the voting process.
“We are pleased with how the election was conducted in Lamwo. It was free, fair, and peaceful. All candidates showed maturity, and the turnout was encouraging. The party has demonstrated that democracy is alive within its ranks,” Okwera said.
He added that the registrar’s office is committed to supporting all newly elected leaders to carry out their duties effectively, emphasizing the importance of unity and service delivery.
“We urge the new leadership, especially Chairperson Odoch, to work inclusively and uphold the values of the NRM. The real work begins now mobilizing, organizing, and connecting with the people,” Okwera stated.
Looking ahead to 2026
As preparations begin for the 2026 general elections, Oyet Sisto Ocen, the Lamwo district chairperson said Odoch’s leadership will be crucial in determining the strength of the NRM in Lamwo.
Oyet said with a clear focus on unity, grassroots reorganization, and voter confidence, he hopes to steer the party to electoral victory and restore its image as a vehicle for transformation.
“This is just the beginning. We are not just preparing for an election, we are building a movement that listens, serves, and delivers.”
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