The Amuria County MP and State Minister for Works in charge of Transport, Musa Ecweru, has publicly expressed concern over the integrity of the just concluded NRM party primaries, calling the process "flawed" and marked by serious irregularities.
Ecweru, who lost the NRM flag to newcomer Ediau Samuel with a vote tally of 19,977 against 29,352, described the electoral process as rushed and marred by voter inflation and procedural violations.
“The elections were not credible. In many polling stations, the number of votes cast exceeded the names in the yellow book. This is against the NRM’s guidelines,” Ecweru told journalists in Amuria
The minister pointed to inflated voter numbers as evidence of malpractice.
“The position of the party was clear only those in the yellow book were allowed to vote. But what we witnessed were voter numbers nearly double what was expected,” he said.
Ecweru added that the irregularities raise serious questions about the credibility and legitimacy of the primary results, and suggested that what unfolded was more of a "fast-track election than a structured party process."
Despite the loss, Ecweru revealed that his mobilization teams remain active on the ground, engaging voters and assessing the broader mood in the constituency
“My team and I have consulted. We are still on the ground, moving sub-county by sub-county. Our supporters are still with us, and they are giving us feedback,” he said.
While he did not explicitly confirm whether he would run as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2026 general elections, the minister said his next steps would be determined after full consultations with his politics.
Ecweru thanked the people of Amuria for turning up in large numbers to participate in the primaries, saying:
“I want to appreciate the people for bravely lining up to vote. Despite the irregularities, they made their voices heard
Minister Ecweru alleges major electoral irregularities in the NRM primaries. Samuel Ediau was declared winner with over 29,000 votes.
Mobilization efforts by Ecweru's team continue, suggesting a possible political comeback.
A final decision on whether Ecweru will contest as an independent is expected soon.