Rt. Hon. Kornelio Kon Ngu, 3rd Deputy Speaker of the TNLA and Chairperson of the National Alliance of Political Parties (NAOPP) in South Sudan. | Photo: Courtesy

The National Alliance of Political Parties has split days after its leader and Third Deputy Speaker, Kornelio Kon Ngu, announced his intention to run for president of South Sudan.

Kon announced his bid on Friday to run against President Salva Kiir in the December 2026 elections, with the backing of the National Alliance of Political Parties and his own party, the National United Democratic Front.

However, on Sunday, Kon expelled the United South Sudan Party, led by the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, Paulino Lukudu Obede, from the alliance.

Kon did not give any reason for removing the United South Sudan Party from the National Alliance of Political Parties.

The move came after eight leaders of parties within the alliance announced they were withdrawing their confidence in the Third Deputy Speaker.

The group, which includes Central Equatoria State Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede, accused Kon of violating the alliance’s regulations, abusing his position and making unilateral decisions without consulting member parties.

The other leaders are Juma Saeed Warjo of the South Sudan National Party, Jeach Chuol Gai of the South Sudan Democratic Front, Joseph Wol Modesto of the Communist Party of South Sudan, Abdallah Deng Nhial of the Popular Congress Party, Willian Jabi Ngalamu of the National Democratic Alliance, Albino John Laku of the Democratic Unionist Party, and George James Gatluak of Peace, Unity and Reconciliation.

They also accused Kon of commercializing political nominations, showing favouritism in appointments and concentrating positions within his own party.

The leaders further alleged that Kon appointed relatives, friends and people they claim have no political party affiliations.

They also accused Kon of using his position to promote his presidential ambitions without endorsement from the alliance’s Leadership Council.

The group further accused him of threatening political figures who challenge his decisions and contributing to disputes within opposition parties.

Kon has not publicly responded to the allegations.