By: Josia Shigwedha

National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) secretary general Joseph Kauandenge has cited interference from the Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) in party politics as his reason for withdrawing from running for the party presidency or any other position during the upcoming elective congress.

Kauandenge, the second party member to withdraw from the presidential race, stated that he had never imagined that his affiliation or lack of affiliation to one or other OTA leadership would work against him.

Almost a month after Nudo’s President Ester Muinjangue announced her decision to step down and hand over the reins of the party leadership at the upcoming congress in July, Kauandenge, the party’s secretary-general, has made a similar announcement on Tuesday.

Kauadenge explained that he cannot function properly under duress due to the current cloud of uncertainty and political bickering, which stems from the infighting within the Ovaherero traditional authority.

“Never in my wildest dream did I foresee that my affiliation or lack of affiliation to one or the other Traditional Authority leadership will be used against me in determining whether I’m capable or not. The sad situation in my beloved party is that logic, common sense and contribution to the party has been reduced to a nullity and of no consequences. Because as we are aware the NUDO party is like non other, as we have strong traditional authorities influence and we have currently two factions fighting each other over which faction is the rightful heir to the throne of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, an authority that has so much influence on the internal dynamics of the party,” stated Kauandenge.

In addition, Kauandenge stated that he remains a loyal Nudo member, serving as a member of parliament until March 2025. He also urged party members to go out and vote and support the new incoming leadership.

“I read somewhere that someone is questioning my legal qualifications, but the same person unfortunately did not finish his grade 12, But mine, anybody can go and investigate at the university where I obtained them,” remarked said Kauandenge. He also added that he will assist the incoming leadership elected at congress should they need his assistance.

Efforts to get a comment from the OTA Paramount Chief, Dr Hoze Riruako, regarding the matter proved futile as his cellphone was unreachable.

Those running Nudo’s presidency at the upcoming congress include party vice president Peter Kazongomuinja, City of Windhoek deputy mayor Joseph Uapingene, former Okakarara constituency councillor Vetaruhe Kandorozu, and former Namibia Football Association (NFA)secretary general Barry Rukoro.

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