Chadema’s leader urges end to political theatrics, says party belongs to people

Dar es Salaam. Chadema’s Coastal Zone Chairman, Boniface Jacob, has broken his three-month silence with a call to end internal political theatrics, reminding members that the party belongs to the people—not individuals.

Speaking during a press conference at Chadema’s Mikocheni headquarters, Jacob addressed tensions that emerged following the party’s internal elections on January 21, 2025, at Mlimani City in Dar es Salaam.

“The campaign season is over. We must stop the drama and remind ourselves—Chadema is a party of the people. It’s not a private enterprise,” he said.

He explained his silence since the elections was intentional, aimed at allowing tempers to cool after heated contests between supporters of Mr Freeman Mbowe and newly elected chairman Mr Tundu Lissu.

“I avoided media and social media to let the dust settle. I didn’t want to inflame tensions,” he said.

Jacob dismissed claims that supporters of Mbowe had been sidelined in the aftermath of the elections, terming them baseless.

He said that in the Coastal Zone, eight out of ten regional chairpersons had backed Lissu, showing inclusivity.

He responded to former Central Zone Chairperson Devotha Minja, who recently resigned from the party, claiming discrimination after being removed from a WhatsApp group.

Jacob said her removal followed concerns over her sharing samples of fabrics bearing the branding of rival party Chaumma.

“Sharing materials linked to another party raises loyalty questions. It’s not about victimization,” he said, also questioning how Minja seemed to get communication from the Registrar faster than party leadership.

Jacob criticised post-election divisions promoted under the guise of defending Mbowe’s legacy.

“Some people claim to be ‘Team Mbowe’ but insult or misuse his name. That’s hypocrisy. True loyalty is about unity,” he said.

He noted that Mbowe, who returned recently from China, had remained silent not out of anger but maturity.

“I’ve spoken to him multiple times. He’s calm and focused,” Jacob said.

On the controversial “No Reforms, No Elections” campaign, accused by critics of sidelining Mbowe, Jacob clarified that it was a long-standing party strategy endorsed since 2020.

“Attacking it aligns with CCM propaganda. Reforms are about electoral justice—not individuals,” he said.

Jacob revealed that a party retreat in Bagamoyo earlier this year had tasked the Council of Elders and a special committee with resolving post-election tensions. Both Mbowe and Lissu participated in the discussions.

He also addressed recent defections to other parties like Chaumma. “If someone leaves, let it be by conviction, not under false pretenses or using Mbowe’s name as a shield,” he said.

Affirming his loyalty, Jacob said he had no plans to leave Chadema.

“I’ve been here for 20 years. I never earned a salary. I stayed for the ideals,” he said.

He rubbished rumours that his silence hinted at defection. “People called saying I was next to quit. Let me be clear—Boniface Jacob is going nowhere,” he stated.

Taking aim at former party member Mchome, who recently defected, Jacob said he had been used and dumped.

“We know where he operated from and his connections with the Registrar’s office. You can’t defend Mbowe while undermining democracy,” he said.

He accused some members of organizing meetings to discredit the party and warned that local chairpersons had taken note.

“Even mourning ends after three days. Why are some still sulking three months after elections?” he asked.

Jacob concluded by urging unity: “Let us bury the theatrics and focus on rebuilding. We owe it to the people and to our mission.”