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Tanzania’s opposition Chadema rejects Registrar’s directive on leadership annulments
Chadema Secretary General John Mnyika (left), and Deputy Secretary General, Amani Golugwa (Mainland)
What you need to know:
- The Registrar on Monday nullified the confirmation of eight party leaders, including Secretary General John Mnyika, Deputy Secretaries General Amani Golugwa (Mainland) and Ally Ibrahim Juma (Zanzibar), and five Central Committee members—Godbless Lema, Rose Mayemba, Salma Kasanzu, Hafidh Ally Saleh, and Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, who also serves as the party’s Chief Legal Adviser.
Dar es Salaam. Opposition party Chadema has rejected a directive by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to reverse appointments of key officials made during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on January 22, 2025.
The Registrar on Monday nullified the confirmation of eight party leaders, including Secretary General John Mnyika, Deputy Secretaries General Amani Golugwa (Mainland) and Ally Ibrahim Juma (Zanzibar), and five Central Committee members—Godbless Lema, Rose Mayemba, Salma Kasanzu, Hafidh Ally Saleh, and Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, who also serves as the party’s Chief Legal Adviser.
The annulment followed a petition by Mwanga District Chairperson, Lembrus Mchome, who argued that the NEC meeting lacked quorum.
However, Chadema has stood firm, saying the issue had already been settled within the party and that it has no intention of revisiting the matter.
Speaking on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 during a public rally in Serengeti District, Mara Region, Vice Chairperson (Mainland) John Heche said the party continues to recognise Mnyika and all others appointed by party chairperson Tundu Lissu.
“The Registrar claims he does not recognise our Secretary General or Central Committee members. That’s his problem. As a party, we do. Our constitution clearly states that the Secretary General is appointed by the chairperson and approved by the NEC. Anyone aggrieved can appeal to the National Congress,” said Heche.
He went on to dismiss the directive as an attempt to intimidate the party. “If the Registrar thinks he has the authority, let him deregister Chadema. But he should stop issuing threats.”
Attempts by The Citizen to reach Registrar Judge Francis Mutungi and Deputy Registrar Sisty Nyahoza were unsuccessful.
Analysts have warned that the escalating internal rifts and legal challenges facing Lissu—including treason charges and accusations of publishing false information—could erode the party’s ability to function as the main opposition force.
“Chadema is under immense pressure,” said UDSM political analyst Dr Richard Mbunda. “Whether the leadership can steer it out of this storm remains to be seen.”
