Herbert Madondo

Chaos has engulfed Nelson Chamisa's political circle as bitter infighting spills onto public platforms, with senior members trading vicious attacks in a leaked WhatsApp group called "Citizens National Assembly Social".

This publication has established that disgruntled members have used the platform to launch scathing critiques of Chamisa's leadership style, while labelling prominent figures like Amos Chibaya and Fadzayi Mahere as "political lightweights" and "Chamisa bootlickers".

A source within the opposition revealed, "The WhatsApp group has become a battleground, with former Seke MP Willard Madzimbamuto and ex-Zvimba East legislator Oliver Mutasa leading the charge against Chamisa loyalists. The language being used is shockingly undiplomatic for people who were recently colleagues."

The infighting reportedly came to a head during a recent National Organising Committee meeting.

"Chibaya openly complained about the erosion of discipline. He warned that those attacking leadership would be excluded from positions in Chamisa's new party, as there will be no room to reward disloyalty with responsibility.”

Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya attributes the turmoil to Chamisa's unconventional approach.

"The root cause is Chamisa’s 2023 decision to form a structureless movement. Without clear hierarchies and processes, you create an environment where everyone considers themselves equal to the leader – and chaos inevitably follows," Ngwenya explained.

The public airing of grievances threatens to damage Chamisa's carefully cultivated image as he prepares to launch a new political vehicle.

With no resolution in sight, observers warn the factional wars could weaken the opposition's cohesion ahead of future elections.