Chadema leaders defect to CCM

What you need to know:

  • The thirteen leaders decided to quit the party in support of President Magufuli’s leadership and due to everlasting conflicts within the main opposition party.

Hai. Thirteen village leaders from the Opposition Chadema in Hai District have defected to the ruling CCM claiming that they were satisfied by President John Magufuli’s performance.

Following the move, the ex-leaders were handed new membership cards of CCM by party’s district chairman Wang’uba Maganda.

Speaking after becoming CCM members, they alleged that they failed to bring about development in their areas because of internal conflicts within the main Opposition party.

“We’re also very much satisfied by the leadership style of President Magufuli. We leave Chadema because of the never ending internal strifes,” claimed Mr Gladson Swai (the former leader of Bomani hamlet).

Mr Maganda commended the new members for making the crucial decision of joining ruling CCM.

For his part, Hai district executive director Yohana Sintoo confirmed that he received resignation letters from the leaders.

For his part, Chadema regional secretary Basil Lema said the defection wouldn’t affect the party.

“Anyone is free to make his/her own decision. So, it is their right. We won’t bar anyone,” said Mr Lema.