Chadema unfazed by defections, says Mbowe

Mara. While CCM ideology and publicity secretary Humphrey Polepole has said the opposition will continue to lose prominent leaders and members in the ongoing wave of defections, Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe has assured its supporters that the defections would strengthen, not destroy, the party.

The two leaders separately made their statements on Sunday when campaigning for their candidates in Turwa Ward, Tarime District.

Addressing a rally, Mr Polepole said many members of Parliament and councillors have requested to join the ruling CCM, noting that the decision was primarily caused by Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe’s decision to cling to office.

“They complain of lacking coordination from top leaders and are neglected by top leaders. I predict that Chadema’s downfall will continue,” he said.

Mr Mbowe, on the other hand, said, “Chadema is strengthened by these defections because we are left with true leaders and members who are ready to build a strong opposition in the country,” he said at a campaign rally for Turwa councillorship in Tarime District.

Mr Mbowe said Chadema remained a strong institution even after a wave of defections because the remaining members were ready to fight for its prosperity.

“Those who are greedy for money and positions should immediately quit the party. What I can assure you is that Chadema will continue being a strong institution compared to what it is today,” he said.

Mr Mbowe said Chadema had lost several top leaders in its history, but instead of losing direction, it emerged stronger by getting more MPs, councillors, members and supporters.

Those who served the party before defecting to CCM include former secretary-general Wilbrod Slaa and a former vice chairman and secretary-general, the late Amani Walid Kabourou.

Campaigning for Chadema’s candidate, Mr Mbowe said voters should use their constitutional right to elect the party’s candidates who will join colleagues in leading the Tarime District Council which has recorded rapid development compared to when it was under the ruling CCM.

“Use your vote wisely to bring development in Tarime. Don’t be intimidated by the government and security organs. Tarime residents who are well known for standing by what they believe in,” he said, and directed party leaders across the country to mobilise members and supporters to voluntarily build party offices.