A political saga unfolded in Nakato Ward, Mongu District, Western Province, surrounding the by-election scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. Initially, concern gripped the Leadership Movement (LM) party after its candidate, Wamundila Silumesi, was reportedly missing just days before the polls. The by-election had seen two main contenders successfully file their nominations at Nakato Primary School, Nalikwanda constituency: Wamundila Silumesi representing the Leadership Movement and Simataa Simataa of the United Party for National Development (UPND).

Reports from Leadership Movement campaign manager, Akufuna Akufuna, conveyed to Diamond Media after the arrival of ballot papers at the Mongu Municipal Council, indicated that Silumesi had been unreachable since the preceding Wednesday, with all efforts to locate him proving futile. This development cast a shadow of uncertainty over the upcoming by-election, even as it remained slated to proceed as planned.

However, the narrative took a significant turn when Wamundila Silumesi himself emerged to debunk the media reports of his disappearance. Speaking to Prime TV, Mr. Silumesi clarified that he had not gone missing but had deliberately chosen to take a back seat during the campaign period. His intention, he explained, was to avoid political tension and, crucially, to endorse his rival, Simataa Simataa, of the ruling UPND.

During a UPND mobilization meeting held in Kalundwana, Nalikwanda Constituency, Mr. Silumesi articulated that his silence and reduced public presence were strategic moves aimed at fostering peace and supporting ongoing development initiatives within the area. He further emphasized that this endorsement of the UPND candidate should not be misconstrued as a withdrawal from the race or as an indication of leaving his party. Instead, he framed his actions as a demonstration of unity and goodwill, prioritizing progress and stability for the community. The Nakato Ward by-election proceeded amidst these clarifications, highlighting an unusual display of political cooperation.