Five Chadema Officials Resign, Stirring Political Waves

Five former top officials from Chadema have stepped down from the opposition party, marking a potential shift in the country’s political dynamics ahead of the 2025 general elections.

Leading the group are former Deputy Secretary General for Mainland, Benson Kigaila, and his Zanzibar counterpart, Salum Mwalimu. The officials, once considered central to the party’s strategy under Freeman Mbowe’s leadership, officially announced their resignations on Wednesday.

“We can no longer be part of a political party whose direction is no longer aligned with the principles of democracy and internal dialogue,” said Mwalimu during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam.

Although the group remained tight-lipped about their next political home, speculation has been growing over the possibility of their defection to Chaumma, a smaller but emerging political outfit. Early reports indicated initial talks with ACT-Wazalendo and SAU (Sauti ya Umma) had been held, though those discussions reportedly stalled over what insiders describe as “unmet expectations.”

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Chaumma, currently led by Hashim Rungwe—popularly known as “Mzee wa Ubwabwa”—is expected to hold its Central Committee meeting on May 10–11, followed by a party congress in late June to nominate its 2025 presidential candidate. With just 18 parties in the country eligible to field presidential candidates, the addition of high-profile names could boost the party’s visibility ahead of the polls.

Political analysts are divided on the impact of the resignations. Some view the former officials as influential figures whose departure could weaken Chadema’s organizational backbone. Others believe their exit merely reflects internal restructuring that won’t significantly derail the party’s momentum—especially given its current stance of non-participation in elections.

“These individuals were not just administrative functionaries; they helped shape Chadema’s electoral strategy and outreach,” said a political commentator based in Dar es Salaam. “Their departure may not cripple the party, but it certainly raises questions about internal cohesion.”