MDC Alliance Re-branding Creating In-House Spat 

Reports suggest that the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa is considering rebranding after the MDC-T took the decision to use the same name in future polls, a development which has caused some differences between the Nelson Chamisa and co-deputy Tendai Biti.

It is understood that the MDC Alliance, Nelson Chamisa prefers to rebrand the party to Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC) yet Biti prefers Movement for Democratic Change- Chinja/ Guqula (MDC-Chinja/ Guqula).

A close source revealed that, “Chamisa is using his allies to present his new party name and this is the reason why you saw Obey Shava, Pedzisayi Ruhanya, Rejoice Ngwenya and Philani Zamchiya presenting at our last National Standing Committee (NSC) workshop. All of them were in support of ADC. It was Chamisa’s ploy which, nevertheless, Biti and crew saw through.”

The source highlighted that, Biti who has some presidential aspirations, feels it will be tough to topple Chamisa as MDC Chinja/ Gukula leader than as ADC Leader.

“The Biti camp came to the workshop fully geared to deal with the name change once and for all. However, sensing the plot, Chamisa had to reduce the workshop duration from three days to one day so that the issue is not given room for discussion,” said the source.

Adding to the above, the source said Chamisa referred the rebranding issue to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council (NC), structures believed to be his stronghold in the MDC Alliance.

Chamisa told the NSC members at the workshop that the issue regarding the new party name would be referred to NEC and NC as proposals. He said the two structures could either endorse or reject the proposals.

The source said despite attempts to stifle debate, the issue was discussed with the old guard who were the majority at the workshop, supporting Biti’s proposal.

Biti, she added, came out of the workshop in high spirits. She said he could be heard nattering with his allies saying it was his first major step in his journey towards the presidency of that party and perhaps the nation. A close confidant of Biti confided in this publication that the Biti faction was anticipating a second Government of National Unity (GNU) where Biti would be minister of Finance and Economic Development, a move that has been viewed by analysts as glory-seeking.

Khumbulani Dube, a Gweru based political analyst said, “Biti knows the country’s bright economic outlook for 2022, a year before elections. Once he becomes Minister of Finance and Economic Development, he will claim credit as he did in 2009. He hopes to use the credit as his ticket to the presidency of that party and nation.“

The old guard that is supporting Biti accuses Chamisa of trying to wipe away Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy and build the new party around his name.

Chamisa has the backing of the youths and those who joined the party later, who have no sentimental attachment to the original MDC and its founding leader, Tsvangirai. Fears are ballooning within the MDC-Alliance that the brewing divisions might see a major crack along the proposed names and the two protagonists.

Credit: Bulawayo24

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