Senior official for Tanzania’s opposition Chadema hits back at defectors, says party has lost nothing

Dar es Salaam. The opposition party Chadema has dismissed claims of internal dictatorship and leadership failure following the resignation of several high-ranking officials, insisting that their departure has not left a void.

Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland) Amani Golugwa said yesterday that the defectors—former deputy secretaries Benson Kigaila (Mainland), Salum Mwalimu (Zanzibar), protocol and foreign affairs director John Mrema, secretariat secretary Julius Mwita, and Bawacha secretary Catherine Ruge—had “lost direction” and their exit should not be viewed as a setback for the party.

“They have strayed, and those who misled them are now celebrating. But this changes nothing. No vacuum has been left. In any political journey, some disembark while others board. The journey continues,” Mr Golugwa told Mwananchi.

The former secretariat members held a press conference on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, announcing their decision to quit the party, citing violations of the party constitution, intolerance of internal criticism, and a growing culture of exclusion following Tundu Lissu’s election as party chairman.

They said their resignation did not mark the end of their political careers, adding that they were considering other platforms through which to continue serving Tanzanians.

However, Mr Golugwa refuted claims that Chadema was being run through dictatorship.

“This is a democratic party. Where and when have Lissu, Heche, or I exhibited dictatorship? Even my tone—is it dictatorial? We have held meetings, including in Bagamoyo, where we invited all party aspirants for open discussions,” he said.

He also questioned the credibility of the allegations, noting that those who had left were unwilling to engage constructively within party structures.

“We are in a healing process as a party. That’s why we assigned the Elders’ Council the responsibility of mending internal wounds. But you can’t help those who refuse to show up. They’ve strayed, and the path they’ve chosen is a self-destructive one,” he added.

Mr Golugwa revealed that he had invited Mr Mwalimu for a trip to the Southern regions to help revive party support, but the former deputy secretary-general did not show up. He also dismissed claims that the party is expelling its leaders, saying Mr Mrema does not hold a position that would justify such assertions.

“We’ve tried to engage them, but they are not responsive. Instead, they go public to attack the party. I hold no grudge, but they’re off course. Their journey ahead won’t be smooth—they risk losing touch with ordinary Tanzanians,” he warned.

Mr Golugwa said the party’s reform agenda remained intact and that the leadership was committed to inclusivity and internal dialogue.

“The fight for electoral reforms continues, and we want everyone on board. But those who refuse to cooperate cannot claim the party is stifling dreams. They are simply not telling the truth,” he said.