Doyo Hassani to challenge Samia, Semu for Tanzania’s presidency in 2025
Nation League for Democracy (NLD) member Doyo Hassani Doyo addresses journalists while announcing his intention to run for the presidency in the upcoming general elections in Morogoro on Friday, March 14, 2025. On the left is the Chief of Protocol, Kibi Saidi Amri. PHOTO | JUMA MTANDA
What you need to know:
- By declaring his intention to run, Mr Doyo has set the stage to challenge incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has been endorsed by the ruling CCM to seek re-election, as well as ACT-Wazalendo's presidential aspirant and party leader, Ms Dorothy Semu.
Morogoro. The Nation League for Democracy (NLD) member, Mr Doyo Hassani Doyo, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of the United Republic of Tanzania, outlining 10 key priorities ahead of the October 2025 General Election.
Mr Doyo made the announcement on Friday, March 14, 2025, when addressing journalists in Morogoro.
By declaring his intention to run, Mr Doyo has set the stage to challenge incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has been endorsed by the ruling CCM to seek re-election, as well as ACT-Wazalendo's presidential aspirant and party leader, Ms Dorothy Semu.
He emphasised that addressing unemployment, promoting education, and revolutionising agriculture and livestock were among his top priorities.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of improving water resources, curbing tax evasion, combating corruption, and fostering a nation of responsible taxpayers.
“I have announced my intention to run for president in the forthcoming General Election. My priorities reflect the challenges our nation is facing. If I’m nominated as the presidential flag bearer for my party, I will focus on closing tax evasion loopholes, fighting corruption, and building a tax-paying culture at all levels of society,” Mr Doyo said.
Other key issues he plans to address include strengthening the mining sector, improving access to technology, promoting education for girls, reinforcing the union between Mainland Tanganyika and Zanzibar, and enhancing the private sector to boost productivity in both government and social activities.
Speaking at the event, Mr Doyo’s wife, Ms Halima Rajabu, expressed her full support for his presidential bid and the priorities he had outlined.
She described her husband as a hardworking and God-fearing individual who is capable of leading the country if elected.
Ms Rajabu specifically pointed out employment as a critical issue for the youth and expressed confidence that Mr Doyo would prioritise the health sector.
“Corruption is another area that needs urgent attention. I will ensure that Mr Doyo holds accountable those who abuse their positions, especially in major government projects,” Ms Rajabu said, adding that some public servants cannot be trusted.
Ms Rajabu also commended past Tanzanian leaders, including the late Julius Nyerere, Edward Sokoine, and Dr John Magufuli, for their strong actions against those embezzling public resources.
She also acknowledged the current president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, for making leadership changes in response to development challenges.
Mr Doyo’s campaign manager, Mr Twaha Saidi Mngatwa, confirmed that Mr Doyo intends to submit his application form to the party by March 21, 2025.
The party’s internal nomination process will take place on April 10, 2025, to select the candidate who will represent NLD in the presidential race for the October General Election, following endorsement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
