Former PM Edward Lowassa officially quits CCM, joins Chadema
Edward Lowassa
What you need to know:
Mr Lowassa said he was quitting the party that he has served for decades to join efforts with the opposition coalition to defeat the ruling party in the October General Election. The former PM announced his defection at a meeting attended by top leaders of the Coalition of four opposition parties under an umbrella called Ukawa.
Former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa officially quits CCM and announces at a press conference that he has joined Chadema to continue his dream of running for the presidency. He says that CCM has lost credibility to continue ruling the country.
Mr Lowassa said he was quitting the party that he has served for decades to join efforts with the opposition coalition to defeat the ruling party in the October General Election. The former PM announced his defection at a meeting attended by top leaders of the Coalition of four opposition parties under an umbrella called Ukawa.
He was accompanied at the press conference by his wife Regina, his children and other close family members. Leaders of the coalition present included Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe, CUF’s national chairman Prof Ibrahimm Lipumba, NCCR-Mageuzi’s James Mbatia and LND leaders Emmanuel Makaidi.
Mr Lowassa is expected to be endorsed by Chadema’s top national congress where he is also likely to be announced as the opposition’s coalition’s flag bearer in the October General Election. If endorsed, he will face former comrade Dr John Pombe Magufuli who will be running on a CCM ticket.
