Tadea’s candidate runs for top seat, but aims to become Vice President

Mr Khatibu says Zanzibaris should understand that his bid for the presidency is not solely about winning but about positioning his party strategically to influence governance.

His campaign is anchored in Article 39(3)(i) of the Zanzibar Constitution, as amended in 2010, which states that the First Vice President shall be appointed if their party secures at least 10 per cent of the presidential vote.  Mr Khatibu believes his candidacy can deliver this result, enabling him to play a pivotal role in Zanzibar’s leadership.

A partnership vision

While challenging for the presidency, Mr Khatibu has commended the leadership of incumbent President and Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) candidate, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, for what he describes as “impressive strides” during his first term, particularly in infrastructure development.

He proposes that Dr Mwinyi continue as president while he assumes the role of First Vice President, providing leadership support to advance the president’s development agenda.

“We are not competitors in the narrow sense. Our goal is a partnership that delivers tangible results for Zanzibar. The people deserve leadership that prioritises development above political rivalry,” Mr Khatibu told The Citizen.

Personal background

Mr Khatibu’s life story is intertwined with the history of modern Zanzibar. Born on January 12, 1964, the very day the Zanzibar Revolution reached its climax, his parents had considered naming him “Mapinduzi” (Revolution). His father, Ali Khatibu Khamis, and mother, Mariam Mohamed Haji, eventually chose “Juma.”

Although his family hails from Mkoani District, Pemba, Mr Khatibu was born in Kisima Majongoo, Mjini Magharibi, Unguja.

His mother was visiting Unguja while pregnant and was advised to remain there until after childbirth.

On the morning of 12 January, shortly after his birth at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, wounded revolutionaries flooded the hospital.

Overwhelmed by the influx, medical staff arranged for Juma and his mother to be transferred by military vehicle to Kisima Majongoo, where he was safely delivered. Following his birth, Ms Haji returned to Pemba with her son, where he grew up and began his schooling.

In 1970, Mr Khatibu joined Uweleni Primary School in Mkoani District, South Pemba, completing Standard Seven in 1976. He then enrolled at Fidel Castro Secondary School, graduating in 1980.

Rather than pursue further formal education, Mr Khatibu chose vocational training, mastering tailoring. Between 1981 and 1982, he worked in Kiponda, Stone Town, Unguja, earning a reputation as “Fundi Juma” (Juma the tailor).

His skills earned him employment with the Zanzibar Ministry of Industry and Trade in 1982 at the Amani Garment Factory. After eight years, he left in 1990 to establish his own tailoring business.

Entering politics

In 1993, while running his business, Mr Khatibu answered a political call and became a founding member of the Tanzania Democratic Alliance (Tadea).

He welcomed the return of veteran politician Oscar Kambona from exile in the United Kingdom and supported efforts to register the party permanently.

Mr Khatibu quickly rose to prominence within Tadea. He served as Deputy Secretary for Economy and Projects in 1993, later as Deputy Secretary-General for Zanzibar, then as National Organising Secretary, and at one point as Secretary-General under the late John Lifa Chipaka’s leadership.

He was later appointed the national Vice Chairman and, following Chipaka’s death in 2017, Mr Khatibu became the acting chairman. In July 2021, Juma was elected chairman at the Ada Tadea general conference, becoming the party’s leader and senior official.

In 2015, the party broadened its scope and was renamed the African Democratic Alliance–Tanzania (Ada Tadea) after former Member of Parliament (MP) John Shibuda joined, proposing a continental alliance.

Political ambitions and experience

Mr Khatibu’s political ambitions run deep. In 2015, he contested the Zanzibar presidency under the Ada Tadea banner.

Following the annulment of the October 25, 2015 election and its rerun on March 20, 2016, he was among the opposition leaders who chalslenged the process.

In 2016, he was appointed a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives and later served as Minister without Portfolio. These roles provided him with substantial political experience, both in the House of Representatives and in the Revolutionary Council.

In the 2020 general election, Mr Khatibu again sought the presidency, urging Zanzibaris to vote for him to continue unfinished development projects after President Ali Mohamed Shein decided not to run. Now, five years later, Mr Khatibu returns to the political arena with renewed determination.

He insists his aim is not to directly challenge the sitting president but to complement his administration by securing the role of First Vice President. “Dr Mwinyi has achieved a lot, from modern roads to high-quality flyovers.

Zanzibar needs leadership continuity and strong collaboration. My role will be to work alongside the president to ensure our development vision becomes a reality.”

The road ahead

Mr Khatibu’s campaign focuses on convincing voters to give Ada Tadea at least 10 per cent of the presidential vote, thereby securing the First Vice President’s seat.

He is also advocating for Ada Tadea to secure representation in the House of Representatives to strengthen support for the revolutionary government and ensure constructive engagement in the legislative process.

“This is about building a government that is inclusive and committed to delivering results. It is not just about elections; it is about shaping the future of Zanzibar,” insisted Mr Juma.

As Zanzibar moves closer to the polls, Mr Khatibu’s approach stands out for its blend of personal conviction, strategic political calculation, and emphasis on partnership over rivalry.

Whether his vision will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but his campaign is certain to influence the discourse of Zanzibar’s upcoming election.