Joseph Isangura
In a recent incident stirring political discourse in Tanzania, Godbless Lema, the Northern Zone Chairperson for the opposition party CHADEMA,
expelled three anti-corruption officers from a CHADEMA candidate seminar, sparking concerns and a pointed response from the anti-corruption agency. The officers, affiliated with the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), were reportedly removed from the seminar, which took place on November 7, 2024, in Arusha, where Lema argued that the officials lacked authorized membership to attend.
The event has drawn attention due to its timing and the implications for political transparency, as the seminar was part of CHADEMA’s preparation for upcoming local elections. Lema defended his actions, maintaining that the officers had not been formally invited by CHADEMA’s central leadership and were thus out of place at the closed-door event, which was primarily intended for CHADEMA candidates and local leaders to strategize for the approaching elections.
However, in a press statement the following day, November 8, PCCB’s Arusha Regional Commander, Zawadi Ngailo, stated that the officers had received a formal written invitation from the Arusha Urban branch of CHADEMA. Ngailo expressed regret over their removal, emphasizing that the PCCB’s role in the seminar was to deliver essential anti-corruption education aimed at promoting fairness and integrity in local governance. “One of PCCB’s core responsibilities is to educate all political entities about anti-corruption efforts, and this was an opportunity to share that knowledge with CHADEMA’s candidates,” she explained.
The PCCB’s response underscored a commitment to ongoing anti-corruption initiatives across political lines, stating that the incident would not deter the agency from fulfilling its duties. “Although our officers were removed, our resolve to educate and support the fight against corruption remains unshaken,” Ngailo added.
Political analysts suggest that this incident reflects the broader tensions between opposition parties and government agencies in Tanzania, especially in the context of heightened political activities and scrutiny ahead of local elections. Lema’s actions have prompted varying reactions, with some opposition supporters defending the decision as a necessary assertion of CHADEMA’s independence and control over its internal matters. Conversely, critics argue that excluding PCCB officers could signal a reluctance within opposition circles to engage with anti-corruption oversight.
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This development follows broader debates about political transparency and accountability, with some calling for clearer protocols on agency participation in party activities. As the November 27 elections approach, both CHADEMA and the ruling party have been actively preparing their candidates, underscoring the intensity and competitiveness of the local government polls.
In the coming weeks, political stakeholders will be closely monitoring any further interactions between PCCB and Tanzania’s main political parties, as both sides balance the need for anti-corruption vigilance with respect for party sovereignty.
The PCCB, meanwhile, maintains its stance on imparting anti-corruption education to political candidates, noting that this educational mandate applies equally across the political spectrum.
As of now, there has been no indication of any follow-up discussions between CHADEMA and PCCB officials, leaving questions about how similar situations may be handled in the future.
