By Shongedzai Mugwagwa

An MDC pressure group fighting for the restoration of the party’s original values has criticized party leader Nelson Chamisa for alleged mortgaging the party to Zanu PF’s G40 faction, the Harare Post can report.

Eddin Dzambara, who chairs the pressure group, In Defence of Morgan Tsvangirai Legacy (IDMTL), which rebranded to Defending Constitutionalism in Zimbabwe (DCZ), told journalists in Harare that Chamisa has opened the main opposition to capture by Zanu PF G40 functionaries.

“In a short period of time after Jonathan Moyo confessed his influence in the party, much to the disappointment of party members, senior party members Grace Kwinje and Tracy Mutinhiri resigned from the party,” Dzambara said.

“Chamisa is being funded by G40 members, particularly Jonathan Moyo and Patrick Zhuwao as evidenced by their recent admission on Twitter that a total of US$6000 was availed to MDC by G40 for the purpose of campaigning and publicity.

“There could be more funds donated but not yet exposed.

“On the other hand, Chamisa received huge sums of money from Grace Mugabe for various purposes,” said Dzambara.

He added, “We demand that Chamisa exonerates himself publicly denying his allegiance to Zanu PF’s G40 and the funding he received from Jonathan Moyo, Patrick Zhuwao and others.

“The 2014 national council and all structures must reconvene and reorganise the party outside alliance system.

“This must be done through proper channels and structures to avoid distortion and unconstitutional processes,” urged Dzambara.

The pressure group also accused Chamisa of gross interference in local government institutions.

“Several municipalities fail to function properly due to interference by Chamisa and cabal,” he said.

“In some cases, he imposes mayors or councillors; cases in point are Victoria Falls and Masvingo urban, where attempts to impose mayors were resisted.

“Chamisa gives directives which do not resonate with the residents of the areas and this has affected service delivery systems.”