Political Reporter

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) inaugural rally held over the weekend in Highfield has widened the rift between Nelson Chamisa and his interim co-vice president Tendai Biti who felt disrespected by the former.

A source who spoke to this publication said Biti confided in his close allies that the future of CCC under the leadership of Chamisa was bleak as his dictatorial behaviour was likely to cause disgruntlement in the new party.

 According to the source, Biti was irked when Chamisa failed to give him time to address CCC supporters at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, last Sunday.

“Biti had hopes that as one of Chamisa’s co-deputies, he would be given an opportunity to address the gathering. He was surprised when Chamisa only gave him a brief moment just to make the CCC slogan. Biti said Chamisa treated him like an ordinary CCC member and was irked by that,” said the source.

The source added that what angered Biti most was that some political flip floppers such as former ZANU PF Youth League Political Commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu, was given a platform to address the rally, while bonafide leaders of that party were denied the same opportunity.

“Biti questioned the logic behind giving Tsenengamu a platform to address a CCC rally when bonafide leaders of the party were denied the same opportunity. Biti queried why Tsenengamu, a known political flip flopper and a tormentor of the opposition members could be treated like a king at a CCC rally when the likes of him and Job Sikhala were almost forgotten at the same rally,” added the source.

According to the source, Biti said he admired the ZANU PF system where President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputies are allowed to speak at the Party’s rallies. The source said Biti wished that CCC could adopt the same system as it helps to make leaders feel respected and honoured.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Biti is clandestinely plotting to topple Chamisa as the leader of the CCC at the forthcoming congress expected later this year. Biti is working with the likes of Sikhala and Charlton Hwende who are of the view that Chamisa is a liability to the CCC.

The source also revealed that Chamisa has plans to replace Biti with Amos Chibaya, the incumbent organising secretary. He said the way Chamisa heaped praises on Chibaya had a hidden meaning. During the by-election campaigns launch on Sunday, Chamisa took time to praise Chibaya whom he said was dedicated and hardworking.