Chamisa vows political comeback in 2026 and to fight Mnangagwa term extension plans

HARARE – Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has vowed to return to active politics, saying he remains energised and committed despite spending the past two years largely out of the public spotlight.

Speaking at an annual charity dinner last week, Chamisa said he was ready to continue the political struggle, drawing inspiration from the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, whom he praised for never betraying supporters.

Chamisa said Tsvangirai had “run his race” with integrity and left a standard that he felt obliged to uphold.

He described the founding opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader as a father figure and suggested that his own continued relevance unsettled the ruling Zanu-PF party, even during his period of relative silence.

He claimed that despite not speaking publicly for an extended period, he remained firmly in the minds of his political opponents, Zanu-PF.

“Morgan Tsvangirai did his best, we were together, and he never let you down. Because he did his best, I will have to do my best. And I’m saying Morgan to my father because that is the name that is known in heaven,” the outspoken politician stated.

“He ran his race. He never betrayed people. Not one day. That’s why you see them scared even when we are silent. For the past two years, I have not uttered a word. But everyday, I dominate their minds. Thank you Zanu-PF for allowing me to live in your heads, rent free.”

Chamisa said he would be transparent if he ever felt unable to continue, but stressed that this was not the case.

“I have the energy, I have the power and commitment to go forward,” he said, adding that, with God’s help, he was confident of ultimately securing victory.

“I want to tell those who are mobilising to keep mobilising, because next year we are going to go big. Next year, we are going to change the direction of this country. If you knew what I know, then you would be celebrating,” he said.

Reacting to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s attempt to extend his term in office, Chamisa said they would fight the so-called Agenda 2030.

“You cannot think that a little resolution within your organisation is the one that should be used to run this country.

“The country belongs to the people, even if you make your amendments in Parliament, we will be here, we will stop this because it’s not about an individual but about the people,” Chamisa said.

“Some are saying I have left, taken my wife with me, do they know me, especially the way I love (rural home) Gutu. Why would I even leave when I have a pot that is cooking and it’s about to be dished?

“What is more intriguing is that those who said they wanted me out of the way and have never wished me well are at the forefront of being my spokespersons, why?” he asked.

Chamisa dumped the CCC in January 2024 citing that the party had been captured and infiltrated by Zanu-PF. During this time, a shadowy politician, Sengezo Tshabangu, had emerged claiming to be the Secretary General of the party.

Through the assistance of the courts and Parliament, Tshabangu grabbed CCC finances and fired dozens of MPs and councillors aligned to Chamisa. His actions resulted in Zanu-PF effectively attaining a two thirds majority in Parliament with proxy MPs.