EC Nominates New FDC Candidate for Bazaar Ward Female Councilor Seat

With just over a month to go before polling day, the Electoral Commission has nominated Zabibu Alias, a graduate in Accounting, as the new Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate for Bazaar Ward Female Councillor in Arua City, replacing the late Samira Haruna.

Samira Haruna passed away on December 5th, 2025 at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, three days after being admitted for treatment of blood cancer. Her body was later transported to Yumbe District for burial.

On December 12th, 2025, the Electoral Commission announced 18th and 19th December as the dates for fresh nominations in constituencies where candidates had died, in line with Section 44 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177.

In Bazaar Ward, Zabibu was duly nominated yesterday to fill the vacancy.

Arua City Returning Officer Osman Ezale confirmed the nomination but noted that Zabibu has limited time to campaign, as official campaigns began on 10th November.

Zabibu will face the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, Adukudua Zuria, who is also the incumbent Female Councillor of Bazaar Ward. Only two candidates were duly nominated for the race.

Zabibu said she plans to prioritise effective representation of women and improved service delivery, continuing the initiatives outlined in the late Samira’s manifesto.

The FDC party chairperson and parliamentary candidate for Arua Central Division, Muzaid Khemis, expressed confidence that Zabibu will receive full party support during the remaining campaign period.

According to the Electoral Commission’s roadmap, polling for local government councils, including councillors, is scheduled for January 22, 2026.