With the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections concluded in Kumi Municipality, Mayor Richard Ochom is now officially the party’s flag bearer for Member of Parliament, setting the stage for a highly anticipated political showdown with incumbent Independent MP Hon. Silas Aogon in the 2026 general elections.
On July 17, 2025, the political landscape of Kumi shifted significantly when Ochom clinched victory in a tightly contested NRM primary.
Addressing jubilant supporters shortly after being declared winner, Ochom described his win as a triumph not just for himself, but for the entire Kumi Municipality.
“This is not just a personal triumph, it is a victory for every man, woman, and youth who believes in the promise of a better Kumi,” he declared.
Ochom acknowledged the role played by his campaign foot soldiers, community elders, youth, women, and religious leaders, all of whom he said played a pivotal role in mobilizing support.
He thanked them for their faith and resilience and attributed his success to divine guidance.
“Above all, I give glory to the Almighty God, for guiding this journey with mercy, favour, and divine strength. This win is a testament that with unity, vision, purpose and trust in the Almighty God, nothing is impossible,” he said.
Framing his win as the beginning of a “people’s revolution” anchored in NRM’s core principles, Patriotism, Democracy, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Pan-Africanism, Ochom signaled a bold break from what he called “empty rhetoric and stagnation.”
“We have chosen truth over lies, service over self-interest, action over words, and change over stagnation,” he added, in what many viewed as a direct jab at the incumbent MP, Hon. Aogon Silas, who has served as an Independent since 2016.
With the general election just months away, Ochom used his first public address as NRM flag bearer to unveil a comprehensive 8-point agenda for the transformation of Kumi Municipality.
- Talent Promotion – No Talent Left Behind
Ochom promised to invest in the creativity and talent of Kumi’s youth, vowing to establish talent incubation hubs to nurture artists, musicians, athletes, and innovators.
“Kumi is full of gifted youth. We must give our young people wings to fly,” he declared.
- Women Empowerment & Savings Groups
Recognizing the crucial role of women in the local economy, Ochom pledged to strengthen women-led savings groups, facilitate financial training, and enhance access to low-interest credit.
“A strong woman uplifts a strong home and community,” he affirmed.
- Support for Small-Scale Traders and Urban Poor
Targeting traders, market vendors, boda boda riders, and kiosk owners, Ochom vowed to champion access to microfinance, better market infrastructure, and favorable taxation policies.
“The urban poor must not be left behind,” he stressed.
- Health for All
Calling the current health system “overwhelmed and under-resourced,” Ochom promised to lobby for well-equipped health centers, steady drug supply, and more qualified medical personnel.
“No mother should die giving life, and no child should suffer due to a broken health system,” he said.
- Education That Works
Ochom’s plan for education includes renovating UPE schools, promoting vocational training, and creating ICT centers to equip youth with 21st-century skills.
“Education must offer real opportunities and prepare our children for the future,” he stated.
- Agriculture as a Business
Despite Kumi being an urban constituency, Ochom recognized the role of agriculture in livelihood sustenance.
He pledged to support peri-urban farmers and backyard growers with modern farming tools, inputs, and cooperative marketing models.
- Jobs and Innovation for Youth
Ochom proposed youth employment programs, internships, and innovation hubs to address high unemployment.
“No young person should be left behind due to lack of opportunity,” he emphasized.
- Infrastructure and Urban Services
Describing clean water, reliable electricity, and waste management as “basic rights, not luxuries,” Ochom committed to lobbying for better roads, proper drainage, and stable utilities to ensure urban growth with dignity and order.
Ochom’s nomination sets up a heated contest with Independent MP Silas Aogon, who has served since 2016 and is expected to seek re-election.
Aogon, known for his vocal advocacy on issues of morality and good governance, has built a reputation as a no-nonsense legislator.
However, critics accuse him of underperformance in tangible service delivery within Kumi Municipality.
Political observers say Ochom’s victory in the NRM primaries could reshape the dynamics of the 2026 race, especially if the ruling party machinery throws its weight behind his candidacy.
In his concluding remarks, Ochom urged residents of Kumi to walk the journey together, promising a peaceful, inclusive, and people-driven campaign.
“Let us walk this path together, with love for our home, belief in our cause, and commitment to one another,” he said.
“With your continued support, we shall win decisively in 2026 and usher in a new era for Kumi Municipality.”
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The rise of OCHOM RICHARD in kumi municipality i see transformation already due to his forecursed actions on developing kumi municipality.KUMI MUNICIPALITY needs a person of action not word’s and comedy as it has been for 10 years down the road.I believe OCHOM is the best for kumi municipality, i now want to request all the kumi municipality residents to rally behind OCHOM RICHARD in the some way they did last time during NRM primaries in order for us to achieve that victory of the general elections.OCHOM Richard is a chosen leader for kumi municipality, May God be with you in this journey of transforming kumi municipality to a better level.