The Bull of Ayivu’ is Back: Benard Atiku Joins 2026 Parliamentary Battle as Independent
Atiku Benard at Electoral Commission in Arua on Tuesday
ARUA CITY: Former two-term Ayivu County MP, Hon. Benard Atiku, has collected nomination forms from the Electoral Commission to run as an independent candidate in the 2026 Ayivu West Constituency parliamentary election.
Atiku, who previously switched from the opposition to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), lost in the recent NRM primaries.
Citing widespread irregularities, he opted not to challenge the results, accusing the party of failing to ensure a transparent process.
Shortly after the primaries, Atiku announced on social media his intention to retire from politics.
However, he said Ayivu residents urged him to reconsider, prompting his return as an independent candidate.
On Tuesday, after securing his nomination forms, Atiku unveiled his campaign symbol—a megaphone—representing the voice of Ayivu West, Arua City, and the broader West Nile region.
“For the 2026 elections, I’m running as an independent. The megaphone symbolizes my commitment to speak for the people, While in the 9th and 10th Parliament I had lobbied for 37 kms of tarmac and the 3 major bridges on River Enyau, Okaiva and Esi.
The other regional road project that we lobbied for and have since stalled after we lost the 2021 General elections is the Nebbi – Goli – Paidha – Warr – Vurra – Lia Customs and Odramacaku border where already 2 big bridges have already been constructed in preparation for the construction of the road.
“I pray the people of Ayivu West will entrust me with their mandate to return to Parliament and restore this road to the budget. The bridges were built to prepare for tarmacking, but leadership gaps derailed the project. When leadership falters, communities lose critical opportunities,” he said.
Supporters hailed Atiku’s decision, calling him “the Bull of Ayivu” for his development vision. They praised his past initiatives, such as promoting cocoa farming as an alternative income source.
“Atiku is our true leader. We want him back in Parliament to ensure Ayivu West benefits from government resources,” one supporter said.
According to the Electoral Commission, four candidates, including the incumbent Hon. Lematia John who also lost the NRM primaries and had his petition dismissed, have so far collected nomination forms for the Ayivu West seat.