Tanzania opposition Chadema loses key figure as Msigwa joins ruling party CCM

Dar es Salaam. Former Chadema Nyasa Zone chairman, Mr Peter Msigwa, has defected to the ruling party, CCM.

The move follows Mr Msigwa's recent dissatisfaction with the outcome of internal elections within Chadema, where he contested to retain his position as chairman for Nyasa Zone.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is also the national chairperson of CCM, formally welcomed Mr Msigwa during a gathering in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

A video released by CCM captures the moment Mr Msigwa was introduced to the party's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, presided over by President Hassan.

Also present were party’s Vice chairperson for Tanzania Mainland, Mr Abdulrahman Kinana and his Zanzibar counterpart, President Hussein Mwinyi.

In the footage, Mr Msigwa is seen entering the meeting accompanied by CCM Secretary General, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi.

Earlier this month (June 2024), CCM proclaimed that it was welcoming Mr Msigwa into its ranks.

The announcement came during a prominent public gathering at Kilombero Market in Arusha, where CCM's Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Amos Makalla, addressed concerns raised by Mr Msigwa regarding the fairness of Chadema’s Nyasa Zone internal elections held on May 29, 2024.

In those elections, Mr Msigwa, a two-term Member of Parliament for Iringa Urban since 2010, narrowly lost to his rival Joseph Mbilinyi, famously known as ‘Sugu’. Mr Msigwa received 52 votes against Sugu's 54.

Following the election outcome, Mr Msigwa publicly contested the results in Iringa, alleging manipulation of party systems and questioning Chadema's credibility to criticize CCM while employing unfair tactics.

In response to Mr Msigwa’s claims, Chadema's Director of Protocol, Propaganda, and Foreign Affairs, John Mrema, assured that proper appeal procedures would be followed and emphasized Chadema’s commitment to democratic principles.

Amidst these developments, at CCM’s public rally in Arusha chaired by Dr Nchimbi, Mr Makalla acknowledged the internal discord within the opposition and expressed sympathy for Mr Msigwa's situation.

He extended an open invitation for Mr Msigwa to join CCM, underscoring the ruling party’s dedication to upholding democracy and transparency.