Political Reporter
Former supporters of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa are reportedly losing faith in his ability to challenge the ruling ZANU PF Party, sparking discussions within opposition circles about potential new faces to lead the opposition movement in Zimbabwe.
A source who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity revealed that some staunch Chamisa sympathizers were now advocating a change in leadership, proposing figures such as Jacob Ngarivhume, Robert Chapman, and Job Sikhala to take the reins of the opposition movement.
According to the source, Dr. Ibbo Mandaza, a one-time ardent supporter of Chamisa, is actively pushing for a coalition of opposition forces led by Ngarivhume, Chapman, and Sikhala, arguing that such a formation would inject vibrancy into the opposition's strategy.
The source disclosed that Dr. Mandaza recently held secret meetings with influential figures such as Hopewell Chin'ono, where they collectively concluded that it was time to replace Chamisa with leaders who possess a more militant approach and effective political strategies.
Dr. Mandaza is reportedly mediating discussions between Ngarivhume, Chapman, and the currently incarcerated Sikhala to foster collaboration and form a united front capable of challenging the dominance of the ZANU PF.
"Mandaza told his inner circle that believing in Chamisa's leadership is no longer necessary. If he can be outwitted by the likes of Sengezo Tshabangu, he stands no ground against an organized ZANU PF Party," the source asserted.
Despite attempts to reach Dr. Ibbo Mandaza for comment, his mobile phone was unavailable.
However, on Tuesday, Dr. Mandaza took to X and said that it was high time the opposition movement in Zimbabwe joined hands.
"It’s overdue that Zimbabwe’s opposition movement gets its act together. Let Jacob Ngarivhume, Chapman and all others group together to represent a forlorn and disappointed population; more importantly, to prepare for the transition as the current status quo is simply coming to an end,” said Dr. Mandaza.
Political analyst, Calvin Chitsunge weighed in on the situation, attributing the current confusion within the opposition movement to Chamisa's allegedly unconstitutional power grab at the funeral of Morgan Tsvangirai.
Chitsunge asserted, "Chamisa has proved that he is in politics to enrich himself and not for the people of Zimbabwe. Hence, the likes of Dr. Mandaza are now pushing for a new opposition movement face, which is not Chamisa."
The developments highlight a growing sentiment among CCC sympathizers that a change in leadership is imperative for the opposition to regain momentum and effectively challenge ZANU PF.
As discussions and negotiations unfold, the future of the opposition movement in Zimbabwe hangs in the balance, awaiting a united and strategic front to usher in a new era.
