Dar es Salaam. Chadema Vice Chairman John Heche said party Chairman Tundu Lissu has urged him to push forward with the struggle for reform, expressing optimism and strength to continue leading the movement.
Mr Heche disclosed the message on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following his meeting with Mr Lissu on Friday, August 21, when the opposition leader appeared in court in Dar es Salaam for his ongoing treason case.
Addressing Chadema members at a Temeke District meeting in Buza, Dar es Salaam, Mr Heche assured the gathering that the party chairman remains resolute, warning members against succumbing to divisive narratives.
“After several months, I sat with him, and he told me he is doing well, very strong, and has more than enough breath to lead our country's reform struggle,” said Mr Heche.
Conveying the party’s stance, Mr Heche emphasised that Chadema will neither succumb to pressure nor engage in deceptive politics, demanding a level playing field so that citizens can serve as the ultimate decision-makers.
“We want a real referee, a level playing field, and the match to be played. If we lose, let us lose because citizens did not support us, but if citizens support us, we will not accept defeat through unfair means; let the citizens decide,” he noted.
He stated that Chadema harbours no personal hostility toward the government, its leaders, or the ruling CCM, but advocates mutual respect, accountability, and unbiased systems.
“We will not accept deceptive reconciliations, hypocritical photo opportunities with leaders, or political drama. We want mutual respect and politics that serve the national interest,” he stressed.
Mr Heche warned against internal division fuelled by misinformation and urged members to remain united behind their leadership.
He also condemned abductions and enforced disappearances, calling for strict respect for human life.
Outlining the party's regional strategy, Coast Region Chairman Boniface Jacob said efforts are focused on turning Temeke and Ilala into primary strongholds.
“To unseat CCM in Dar es Salaam, we must win Ilala as the city centre, but we cannot succeed without winning Temeke due to its large population,” noted Mr Jacob, urging local leaders to intensify mobilisation.
Temeke Regional Chairman Sina Manzi detailed plans to strengthen grassroots support across Temeke, Mbagala, and Chamazi constituencies, encouraging members to stay resilient.
Temeke District Chairman Benito Mwaponga honoured three missing leaders and members, Deusdetit Soka, Frank Mbise, and Juma Kaswahili, allegedly abducted, asserting that despite such trials, the party continues to build momentum.
The meeting drew delegates and members representing 13 wards and 75 streets across Temeke Constituency.
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