Polepole says Nyalandu is insignificant

What you need to know:

  • He made the statement on Monday night on Msema Kweli, a local television programme on Chanel Ten, saying the move by the former minister of Natural Resources and Tourism marked the end of his political life.

Dar es Salaam. Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) secretary for Publicity and Ideology Humphrey Polepole has said former Singida North MP Lazaro Nyalandu, who has just switched his allegiance to the main opposition party Chadema, is insignificant.

He made the statement on Monday night on Msema Kweli, a local television programme on Chanel Ten, saying the move by the former minister of Natural Resources and Tourism marked the end of his political life.

Mr Polepole was speaking about the success of President John Magufuli’s two years in office since he was elected in 2015.

According to him, the long serving lawmaker failed to match the working speed of the fifth phase government and the determination of the ruling CCM.

“One of our members has left the party today (yesterday Monday). He has the right to do so according to the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania and we respect his decision and wish him all the best,” he said.

Adding, he said: “He was insignificant… we have not seen any difference and that is why we have instructed the government to cast aside those who have failed to help the country to move on”.

He, however, acknowledged that Mr Nyalandu as a Tanzanian had a constitutional right to join any political party because CCM believed in democracy and the rule of law.

“Our party has a big reserve of veteran politicians which we believe will last long,” said Mr Polepole.