Stefanus Nashama
Josef Kauandenge, the Secretary-General of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), has formally declared his candidacy for the party’s presidency in preparation for next year’s elections.
In a recent announcement, Kauandenge expressed his belief that he is the right person to lead the party and aims to rejuvenate it from its past setbacks.
Kauandenge noted that NUDO has lost support in the Southern regions and outlined his commitment to reclaiming that lost ground once he assumes leadership.
He stated that the party should not settle for merely holding two seats in Parliament and stressed the need for a leader capable of integrating the party into national structures.
“I am the right person to head the party,” he said, promising to involve young people within the party’s structures, as he views them as essential for its transformation.
During his tenure as Secretary-General, Kauandenge claimed to have significantly advanced the party’s influence by introducing NUDO’s ideology to regions like Kavango, Zambezi, and Ohangwena, where it had previously been absent.
He stated that he had consulted senior party members about his presidential bid and received their support.
Kauandenge clarified that his decision to run for the party’s top position should not be misconstrued as a personal issue with the current party president, Esther Muinjangue.
Kauandenge also shared his plans to collaborate with other political parties to unify members of NUDO.
He raised concerns about individuals who had joined NUDO with intentions to undermine the party from within.
He revealed that he had declined offers from other parties for various positions, asserting his loyalty as a dedicated party leader.
Kauandenge emphasized his capacity to reconnect with former party members who had left, and he urged party members not to ignore the decline in NUDO’s support unless they were not genuinely committed members.
The lawmaker stressed that his decision to run for the party presidency was a calling from God and a personal commitment to serve the party.
He felt that his presence in the party was not driven by a desire for positions but rather a sense of dedication to the party’s cause.
Kauandenge’s announcement sets the stage for what could be a dynamic leadership contest within NUDO as the party prepares for the upcoming elections.
