Staff Reporter

Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), is facing accusations of orchestrating internal purges to remove members not aligned to his faction in what critics describe as a power consolidation move.

 This revelation comes as the CCC struggles with internal power dynamics after its formation.

A source close to the developments, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this publication that Chamisa was allegedly ensuring that members hailing from splinter parties were side-lined. These members include those from the MDC N led by Welshman Ncube, MDC 99 of Job Sikhala, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) helmed by Tendai Biti.

“Chamisa's power play became evident with the controversial removal of Jacob Mafume as the Harare Mayor. He was replaced by Ian Makone, a known Chamisa loyalist," the source revealed.

Mafume's alleged ousting, according to the insider, was a punitive action for his association with Biti, who is viewed as a potential rival within the CCC hierarchy.

Moreover, the source claims that Chamisa didn't stop at Harare. In Bulawayo, he reportedly exerted influence to ensure the mayoral seat went to his ally, David Coltart.

“Chamisa was clear in his intentions. All CCC Bulawayo councillors were directed to back Coltart for the mayorship. Those hesitant or against this directive were subtly threatened with expulsion," the source said.

The strategic moves by Chamisa, as detailed by the source, seem to be part of a broader strategy.

 “It's evident that Chamisa is meticulously crafting his empire. Anyone showing even a hint of dissent or questionable loyalty is being methodically shifted to the fringes,” added the source.

Meanwhile, amid these internal upheavals, whispers within the CCC corridors suggest that Biti is not sitting idle. He is believed to be quietly rallying some CCC members, urging them to resist Chamisa's tightening grip on the coalition's leadership.

Biti, with the alleged support of one Nhamo Magodhi, is strategizing to mobilize a robust counter-narrative against Chamisa's dominance