By Jabe Janet Emmanuel
The National Patriotic Movement (NPM) has officially welcomed South Sudanese musician Franko Lokonyumi into the party as political parties prepare for the December 22, 2026, general elections.
NPM Chairperson Dr. Issa Muzamil Sebit Makelele announced Lokunyumi’s admission during a press conference in Juba on Saturday, October 31, where he also outlined the party’s preparations for the upcoming elections.
Lokunyumi, whose real name is Dinya Metaloro Joseph Martin, said he joined NPM because its vision, mission and goals align with his aspirations for reform and improved service delivery.
“I did not join this party to gain power, fame or wealth. I joined this party because I have seen that our vision, the mission and the goals are matching. I read the manifesto and I realized that this is where I belong. We are all yearning for reform. Our people are suffering. This is the reason why I joined this party,” Lokunyumi said.
The musician also expressed interest in contesting for a national parliamentary seat in Constituency No. 8, subject to the party’s approval.
He said joining politics would not end his music career, adding that he intends to continue using music to promote peace, unity and development.
“Coming to politics, in fact, it gives me a broader way of doing my music. I believe that I started with music and I will continue going with the music. I have to be doing something and making sure that I advocate for good services,” he said.
Lokunyumi said his decision to enter politics was also motivated by a desire to engage directly with decision-makers and advocate for better services, particularly in healthcare, education and infrastructure.
He called for stronger communication between leaders and communities, saying elected representatives should prioritize the needs of citizens.
NPM Begins Membership Registration
Dr. Muzamil said NPM had begun registering members across South Sudan’s ten states ahead of its party primaries and national convention.
He said a party team had recently visited Lainya and Wonduruba areas in Central Equatoria State, with further visits planned as part of the registration exercise.
The chairperson said the party would conduct primaries in constituencies where more than one registered member seeks the same position, while candidates facing no competition would be declared unopposed.
“Because we believe in democracy. But where there is only one person or applicant, that person will be declared unopposed. So that is what is going to happen, and this primary will come after the party’s registration has been done,” Muzamil said.
He added that only registered party members would be eligible for endorsement to contest under the NPM ticket.
Muzamil also said the party does not charge mandatory fees for membership or its internal selection processes, arguing that financial requirements should not prevent citizens from seeking public office.
“The National Patriotic Movement doesn’t charge any money for these processes. Our membership is for free. It is the party that needs the votes from the people, not the other way around. It is not a commercial activity,” he said.
The chairperson said NPM was preparing to contest positions in the December elections and was awaiting the National Elections Commission’s announcement on the commencement of voter registration.
Lokunyumi’s admission comes as political parties continue preparations for the elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.