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Spotlight on CCM Secretary General post as key meetings begin
What you need to know:
- Dr Nchimbi currently holds the influential position of CCM Secretary General. However, political analysts say it may be untenable for him to continue in the role while also serving as the presidential running mate, given the intense demands of the campaign period.
Dar es Salaam. The ruling party CCM enters a critical week with mounting speculation over whether it will appoint a new Secretary General to replace Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, who is expected to focus on his new role as the running mate to President Samia Suluhu Hassan in the October 2025 General Election.
Dr Nchimbi currently holds the influential position of CCM Secretary General. However, political analysts say it may be untenable for him to continue in the role while also serving as the presidential running mate, given the intense demands of the campaign period.
The discussion has gained momentum as the party's highest organs—the Central Committee and the National Executive Committee (NEC)—convene from today, May 26, through to May 28. These meetings, which hold the authority to propose, receive, and ratify the appointment of the Secretary General, will be followed by the CCM National Congress on May 29 and 30.
Despite the swirling speculation, CCM Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Amos Makalla, said the agenda for the meetings does not include discussion of Dr Nchimbi’s position.
“That matter is not among the agenda items,” he told The Citizen's sister paper Mwananchi.
However, given President Hassan’s track record of surprise appointments within the party, observers are not ruling out a last-minute shake-up.
A senior CCM official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “With only a few months to go, anything can happen. The Chairperson may appoint a new Secretary General, or Dr Nchimbi may continue.”
“Our concern is that if he remains in the position, it could pose challenges during the election season. One cannot be both the party’s chief executive and the running mate at the same time. A new Secretary General is needed to hit the ground running,” the official added.
President Samia said on January 19 that Dr Nchimbi would continue serving as Secretary General despite being nominated as her running mate, though she did not specify for how long.
Meanwhile, CCM leaders and political analysts agree that whoever assumes the post must possess the stamina and political acumen to steer the party during what is expected to be a competitive campaign season.
CCM branch chairperson for Msigani in Dar es Salaam, Reihad Chikando, said, “CCM is unpredictable. It could appoint a successor or leave the matter for a later date.”
He said that if a successor is named, they must be politically seasoned and capable of navigating the heated environment of electioneering.
Political scientist Dr Revocatus Kabobe echoed that sentiment, saying the ideal candidate should share Dr Nchimbi’s calibre—not necessarily in appearance or age, but in character, discipline, charisma, and integrity.
He noted that the party needs someone with a strong institutional track record, a deep understanding of CCM operations, and the capacity to execute the party’s manifesto efficiently.
“The incoming Secretary General must be able to lead a large organisation, craft winning political strategies, and ensure they are implemented effectively,” he said.
“They must also be a unifying figure, technologically savvy, and ready to inject fresh energy into the party,” he added.
Potential successors
According to CCM insiders, several names are being floated as possible successors should the party decide to make the change. These include current and former regional commissioners and long-serving party officials.
John Mongella
Currently serving as CCM Deputy Secretary General for Mainland Tanzania, Mr Mongella is a former Regional Commissioner for Mwanza and Arusha. He also served as a District Commissioner in several regions and began his political journey in the CCM Youth Wing (UVCCM).
Martine Shigela
The current Regional Commissioner for Geita, Mr Shigela has held the same post in Tanga and Morogoro. Like Mongella, he rose through the ranks of UVCCM before joining the party’s senior structures.
Anthony Mtaka
Mr Mtaka, now the Regional Commissioner for Njombe, previously held the same position in Dodoma and Simiyu. His political roots also trace back to UVCCM. He has served as District Commissioner in various regions and is widely seen as well-positioned within CCM’s inner circle.
William Lukuvi
The most senior among those mentioned, Mr Lukuvi has had a long political career dating back to his youth. A former MP, he has held several ministerial posts including Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development.
Issa Haji Gavu
Currently the CCM NEC Secretary for Organisation, Mr Gavu has previously served in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives. He is seen as a potential dark horse, particularly if the party opts to appoint its first-ever Secretary General from Zanzibar. He has served as Deputy Minister, Minister, and CCM Spokesperson on the Isles.
