By Jumah Kakomo
The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has officially endorsed Nathan Nandala Mafabi as its presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, following a pivotal move by party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat, who stepped down in favor of Mafabi.
This development follows intense internal consultations led by senior party leaders and elders. Amuriat, who represented the FDC in the 2021 presidential race, reportedly heeded a request from the party elders to withdraw his candidacy to allow Mafabi to lead the charge in 2026.
Announcing his decision, Amuriat highlighted his 28-year association with Mafabi and his unwavering loyalty to the FDC. He emphasized that stepping aside was a gesture of unity and a demonstration of his commitment to the party’s broader success.
“I believe this decision strengthens our collective resolve to take the FDC forward,” Amuriat said.
In response, Nandala Mafabi expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing it as a mark of trust and confidence from the party’s leadership and membership. He pledged to steer the party with dedication and to focus on building a winning strategy for 2026.
“This is not just an endorsement of me as a candidate it’s an endorsement of the vision we share for this country,” Mafabi stated.
Meanwhile, FDC Chairman Jack Sabiiti confirmed that the delegates’ conference, which had been scheduled for July 31, 2025, to elect the party’s presidential flag bearer, has been called off, following the consensus around Mafabi’s endorsement.
