He maintained that his removal was politically motivated rather than the result of poor performance, a claim that Twic Media Reports has not independently verified. Citing nearly two decades outside government, Lewis urged constituents to support his return to public office, saying his experience in public service and the liberation struggle had prepared him to effectively represent the constituency in the National Legislature. He said his priorities would include advocating for development projects, strengthening governance, promoting the rule of law, improving public service delivery and contributing to national reforms if elected. Lewis also appealed to other prospective candidates for Constituency No. 10 to support his candidacy, arguing that his long record in South Sudan's liberation movement warranted the opportunity to serve in parliament. He further called on voters to elect him unopposed, citing the 2010 parliamentary election in which, according to his statement, Gen. Aleu Ayieny was elected without opposition in Kuanythi Constituency. Lewis pledged that, if elected, he would serve only one term in the National Legislature. The announcement adds to growing political activity in Warrap State as prospective candidates begin positioning themselves for the anticipated general elections. South Sudan is expected to hold national elections in December 2026, although preparations remain subject to decisions by the country's electoral institutions and political stakeholders. Lewis signed the statement in his capacity as the first Former SPLM Governor of Warrap State and the current community Leader for Greater Tonj in Juba.
Hon. Ustaz Lewis Anei Madut-Kuendit, Former SPLM Governor of Warrap State and the current Community Leader for Greater Tonj in Juba
Former Warrap governor Lewis Anei announces bid for National Assembly seat
Former Warrap State Governor Hon. Ustaz Lewis Anei Madut-Kuendit has announced his intention to seek the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) nomination for the National Legislative Assembly seat representing Constituency No. 10 in Akop Area, Tonj North County, ahead of South Sudan's planned December 2026 elections. In a statement published on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, Lewis appealed to residents across Akop Constituency including the payams of Alabek, Aliek, Akop, Marial-Lou and Rualbet as well as SPLM members and supporters of other political parties, to back his candidacy through the ruling party's internal nomination process. Lewis said he intends to contest the parliamentary seat through the SPLM's grassroots congresses and primary elections if the country's planned elections proceed as scheduled. The former governor said he was chosen by leaders from Akop in 2005 to compete for the governorship of Warrap State, a process he said resulted in his appointment as the state's first SPLM governor. He also noted that he was elected in 2022 as the Community Leader for Greater Tonj in Juba. Lewis said he served as governor for less than a year before being removed from office.
