NDM Party Rejects Claims of Mass Defection in Northern Bahr el Ghazal

By Awan Achiek

The National Democratic Movement (NDM), led by veteran politician Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, has rejected claims that its former Northern Bahr el Ghazal State chairperson, Mayen Kon Akot, defected alongside other party leaders.

The NDM insists his departure was an individual decision and did not involve other party officials.

On Monday, the NDM clarified that Mayen Kon Akot’s claims of a collective defection with party leadership in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State were false, stating his departure was a personal choice and did not represent the movement.

In a statement issued the same day, NDM spokesperson Kai Tap Gatchang reiterated that Mayen Kon, the party’s former chairperson in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, did not defect with any other member of the party’s leadership.

“The NDM would like to clarify that Mayen Kon, the former Chairperson of NDM in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, did not defect with any member of the party’s leadership,” read the statement.

This statement was a direct response to a letter circulated on October 3, 2026, in which Mayen Kon allegedly presented his position as representing the entire movement in the state.

Tap described claims of a “collective departure” as misleading, arguing that Mayen Kon’s decision should not be presented as the position of the party or its leadership.

“As such, any claim to the contrary must be treated as misleading, meant to lend weight to his individual departure,” Tap stated.

He also questioned the authenticity of the letterhead used in the circulated statement, noting it did not match the movement’s officially approved letterhead.

“The letterhead used by the defector does not match the officially approved letterhead of the NDM. This by itself suggests that the statement was written elsewhere for him to sign in search of greener pastures.”

According to the spokesperson, the party had observed changes in Mayen Kon’s activities since July 2026 but was not surprised by his eventual departure.

“We are aware of the circumstances surrounding his defection and the promise given him to induce it,” he said.

“We observed since last July 2026 that the once active State Chairperson was not himself, but we allowed the events to take their course. We are not surprised by the defection.”

Tap affirmed that the NDM’s operations in Northern Bahr el Ghazal remain guided by its political principles, institutional integrity, and collective leadership.

“The NDM in NBG remains committed to its political principles, institutional integrity, and collective leadership,” he said.

“No individual’s departure, regardless of their former position, shall be misrepresented as a collective decision of the Movement or undermine its established identity and authority.”