MWE Correspondent
In a sudden shift ahead of the 13th session of the National Assembly of Tanzania in Dodoma, former Speaker Tulia Ackson has officially withdrawn from the contest to retain her seat.
The announcement, made on Friday 7 November 2025, clears the path for a new leader to emerge in the chamber as the legislature prepares to choose its presiding officer.
Ackson, who was elected Speaker in February 2022 after the resignation of Job Ndugai, had been expected to defend her position when members convene for the next term. Her decision to step aside comes at a pivotal moment for her party and for parliamentary leadership.
Originally, her deputy, Mussa Zungu—who had been heading an apparent challenge to her nomination—remained in the running. With Ackson’s withdrawal, the contest takes on a new dimension, shifting focus to how the party will now manage internal alignment ahead of the vote.
Ackson’s tenure was notable not only because she was the second woman to serve as Speaker in Tanzania—following Anne Makinda—but also because of her international recognition. In October 2023, she was elected President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), becoming the first African woman to hold that role.
In her statement to parliament, Ackson expressed gratitude for the trust invested in her and indicated her decision was motivated by the desire to promote unity within the party and the legislative body. While she did not elaborate on long-term ambitions, analysts suggest her move may reflect deeper strategic thinking ahead of the parliamentary session.
For the ruling party, the timing could not be more sensitive. With the legislature’s new term about to begin, ensuring a smooth transition in the Speaker’s chair is vital for maintaining control of the agenda and for projecting stability.
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The departure of a seasoned figure like Ackson reshapes the contest and opens space for fresh leadership.
As members of the National Assembly gather in Dodoma later this month, all eyes will be on the nomination process and final vote. The outcome will matter not just for who holds the gavel but for how the legislative branch positions itself at the start of the next term. With Ackson out of the running, the race may accelerate and attention will shift to who emerges next under the party’s banner.
