In a stunning rebuke to what many perceived as a textbook case of political nepotism, the NRM Tribunal has nullified the election of Collin Tanga, son of the ruling party’s powerful Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi.
Collin had been controversially declared the NRM Youth League Chairperson, narrowly beating rival Brenda Kiconco, who swiftly challenged the result—triggering what has now become one of the most embarrassing electoral reversals for the party in recent years.
In its ruling delivered Monday, the tribunal cited serious breaches of electoral regulations, concluding that the process was so flawed that no candidate could be rightfully declared the winner.
“Given the tainted tally and unreliable record, none of the petitioners can be declared duly elected,” the tribunal ruled. “The proper remedy is to nullify the election and order a fresh poll.”
But the shock didn’t stop there. In a move that signals growing internal discomfort with concentrated power, the tribunal took the extraordinary step of barring Dr. Tanga Odoi himself Collin’s father from playing any role in the re-run of the election.
“To restore confidence, Dr. Tanga Odoi shall not preside over or participate in any capacity in the conduct of the fresh election,” the ruling stated. “The Electoral Commission, being a collegiate body, is fully able to proceed without him.”
The directive is not just a procedural one it’s a clear statement: the NRM is under pressure to demonstrate internal accountability, especially when family ties blur the lines between leadership and privilege.
