Speaking during President Hassan’s campaign launch on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Mr Kikwete said some of the criticism circulating within and outside the party stems from a lack of understanding of CCM’s established procedures.
Dar es Salaam. Former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has dismissed claims that party procedures were violated in CCM’s endorsement of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as its presidential candidate for the 2025 general election.
Instead, Mr Kikwete praised President Hassan’s leadership, vision and accomplishments since assuming office on March 19, 2021, following the death in office of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli.
Speaking during President Hassan’s campaign launch on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Mr Kikwete said some of the criticism circulating within and outside the party stems from a lack of understanding of CCM’s established procedures.
“I am aware of claims suggesting that procedures were not followed and I was criticised for my comments at the party congress.
Those making such statements either do not understand our party’s rules or have forgotten them,” he said, referring to reactions following a January 2025 resolution by the CCM National Congress endorsing President Hassan for the Union and President Hussein Ali Hassan Mwinyi for Zanzibar.
The resolution, unanimously approved by all delegates, came after strong recommendations from Mr Kikwete, who served as Tanzania’s head of state from 2005 to 2015. The decision followed widespread support from delegates at the CCM National Congress held in Dodoma.
Addressing the congress in January, Mr Kikwete acknowledged the delegates’ enthusiasm but stressed the need to follow legal and party processes.
“Every political party has its own nomination process and timelines that must be observed. If we decide today that Samia is our candidate and Mwinyi is our candidate, we have the authority to do so,” he said, prompting applause from delegates.
He also urged the party to ensure that the nomination process remains legally sound, cautioning against bypassing legal frameworks that could compromise the candidates’ eligibility.
“When Parliament is dissolved and the electoral commission calls for candidates, we must follow correct procedures. This ensures that our decisions are legally defensible and transparent,” he explained.
Mr Kikwete referenced the 2005 CCM nomination process, during which he himself was chosen as the party’s presidential candidate, emphasising that CCM establishes its own rules but ensures they align with national laws.
He also recalled how the Executive Committee worked to endorse Dr Hussein Mwinyi as the CCM flagbearer for Zanzibar in the same process, reinforcing that party procedures were fully observed.
Reflecting on multiparty transitions, Mr Kikwete explained that CCM has a clear tradition: a sitting president completing their first term and seeking a second is granted the opportunity to continue.
“This applied to Presidents Mkapa, Kikwete and Magufuli. Why should Samia’s case be treated differently? Some critics today were present during previous transitions,” he said.
Mr Kikwete highlighted President Hassan’s rise in March 2021 under unprecedented circumstances following President John Pombe Magufuli’s sudden death. “It was the first time in our nation’s history that such a transition occurred.
Many doubted whether she could lead, yet she has demonstrated courage, competence and adherence to the Constitution. She has proven that the presidency has no gender,” he said.
He praised her management of large-scale projects inherited from Magufuli, including the 2,115MW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, the construction of the Government Headquarters in Dodoma and the Standard Gauge Railway.
Despite fears that these projects might overwhelm her administration, she has successfully advanced them, ensuring continuity and progress.
Mr Kikwete also lauded her innovative approach during the Covidi-19 pandemic, noting that while many African countries focused financial support primarily on businesses, President Hassan ensured that funds reached all Tanzanians through improved social services, healthcare, classroom construction, and measures to reduce congestion in schools.
Other achievements he highlighted include education reforms guaranteeing a continuous learning pathway from primary school through Form 4, improved access to clean water for women, a more business-friendly tax system, strengthened national unity, enhanced interfaith relations, youth employment initiatives, tourism promotion, and the successful implementation of the 2025–2050 Development Vision.
He also drew attention to her financial prudence and innovative programmes, including measures that ensured Covid-19 relief funds benefited ordinary citizens rather than only companies. This approach, he noted, contributed to social stability and development during challenging times.
Mr Kikwete said that these accomplishments explain why President Samia secured unanimous support at the January 2025 party congress. “She has shown courage, vision and innovation.
She deserves a second term to complete the work she has begun. Her leadership has been transformative and she has navigated our country through difficult times with wisdom and resilience,” he said.
