In an address that sent a clear message to National Resistance Movement (NRM) members, the party’s Secretary General, Richard Todwong, drew a firm line in the sand; those who lose in party primaries must step aside without expecting government jobs, financial rewards, or presidential favors.
Todwong’s fiery statement targeted a growing trend within the NRM: candidates who, after being defeated in party primaries, refuse to concede and insist on staying in the race or lobbying for compensation in the form of state positions or cash handouts.
“The party will no longer tolerate members who, after being defeated in primaries, refuse to stand down for the rightful winners,” Todwong said, addressing a gathering of party faithful. “Those who think you can hold the party at ransom, expecting jobs or money in exchange for stepping aside—be warned. You will be dealt with accordingly, and you will not even get a chance to see the president.”
The message was stern and unapologetic. Todwong emphasized that it doesn’t matter how influential or senior one is within the party or government. Once the party decision is made, it must be respected.
“Whether you’re big in the party or government, when the party tells you to step down for another member, you must obey, Richard Todwong he warned.
He went on to declare an end to what he described as a toxic culture and entitlement mentality that has plagued the NRM for years—where defeated candidates demand compensation before stepping aside. “This norm, culture, and habit in NRM of saying ‘before I step aside, I must be given a government job or millions of money’ has stopped,” Todwong stated emphatically.
His remarks come as the NRM gears up for a new electoral cycle, where internal cohesion and unity are seen as vital. The party hopes to avoid the chaos and splintering that sometimes arises from disputed primaries and disgruntled members who go on to stand as independents or sabotage the official flag bearers.
With Todwong’s tough stance, the NRM appears to be ushering in a new era of discipline, meritocracy, and respect for internal democracy. Whether the message will be heeded by all remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the party is done playing nice with sore losers.
