By Wakhungu Andanje
Iyadi confirmed that elections at the polling centres had been conducted transparently, with 30 members elected from each centre. The results were verified and signed off by the returning clerk, Saulo Shamala, and the coordinating committee official, Violet Ananda, who oversaw the process across Malava, Lugari, and Likuyani
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Malava Sub-Branch remains under the leadership of John Waluvengo Iyadi, who has dismissed claims of a leadership change as unconstitutional and illegitimate. Speaking after overseeing successful elections across all 107 polling centres within the sub-branch, Iyadi reaffirmed his position as the duly elected chairman.
Iyadi’s remarks come amidst controversy surrounding a rival faction led by Joseph Sikolia, which claims to have taken over the sub-branch leadership. Iyadi criticized the group, branding it as an illegal outfit that resorted to unconstitutional methods to usurp the leadership.
“I am aware of the coup against me, but the party leadership and members know that I am still the ODM Malava Sub-Branch chairman,” Iyadi stated. “The so-called new office bearers are self-elected individuals who made a roadside declaration. Their actions carry no weight under the ODM constitution, and we consider them outsiders.”
Iyadi confirmed that elections at the polling centres had been conducted transparently, with 30 members elected from each centre. The results were verified and signed off by the returning clerk, Saulo Shamala, and the coordinating committee official, Violet Ananda, who oversaw the process across Malava, Lugari, and Likuyani.
“Our elections followed all party rules and regulations, and the results were approved at every level. From the grassroots to the national office, we are in sync with the party’s democratic processes,” Iyadi explained.
He criticized recent media reports that had declared the Sikolia-led faction as the new office bearers, accusing them of spreading misinformation to confuse ODM supporters in Malava. “Our focus remains on strengthening ODM from the grassroots upwards. I thank all the ODM supporters who turned out to vote and exercise their democratic right. We will continue to work for the party’s objectives,” Iyadi concluded.
This leadership wrangle highlights growing internal tensions within the ODM Malava Sub-Branch as members await the next steps to resolve the dispute and chart the party’s future in the region.
