The peaceful march from Manzese to Chadema's Coastal Zone offices in Kinondoni has earned widespread praise. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam-Hundreds of supporters rallied behind former Ubungo Mayor, Boniface Jacob, as he submitted his nomination forms to vie for the Chadema Coastal Zone Chairmanship today in Dar es Salaam. Jacob was accompanied by a passionate crowd despite the heavy downpour that swept across the city, reflecting his strong grassroots appeal.
As the nomination window for Chadema's internal democracy closed on September 5, 2024, the streets of Ubungo, Kibamba, Manzese, and Kinondoni were filled with party supporters determined to back Jacob, hoping to revive the party’s momentum ahead of the upcoming 2024 local elections and the 2025 general elections.
The peaceful march, which started at Manzese and concluded at Chadema's Coastal Zone offices in Kinondoni, has been praised by many, including political observers, who emphasized the significance of maintaining internal unity within the party to win councilor seats. Analysts like Mussa Lugete and Paschal Makonda have noted that internal discord in Chadema could cost the party its critical influence in key areas like Dar es Salaam.
Jacob, one of two prominent candidates vying for the top position in the Coastal Zone, handed in his forms in style, with a large number of Chadema members joining him. He aims to be the zone’s leader in what is expected to be a highly competitive election season.
His main opponent, Gerva Lyenda, the Zone’s Information Officer, is also in the running for the position. Both candidates have promised to unite members of the party and steer the region towards electoral success.
Jacob used the platform to share his vision for Chadema in the Coastal Zone, emphasizing his commitment to lead with integrity, openness, and steadfastness. He urged the crowd, "A leader must possess three key qualities: being trustworthy, being heard, and leading from the front. You’ve listened to me, and I see you are ready for me to lead you in this Coastal Zone battle."
He also expressed his desire to lead Chadema into victory in the forthcoming local and general elections, noting that the journey would not be easy. "We are heading into the local government elections this year, and we need to win all the wards. The work ahead of us is tough, but not impossible," Jacob added.
Jacob’s entry into the race has generated considerable buzz within the party, especially among supporters who remember his tenure as Ubungo Mayor, where he garnered respect for his leadership style. Some of his supporters believe that his popularity could propel Chadema to significant wins in the zone.
"If you give me this chance, I will be at the forefront of facing any challenges to protect our party. This unity we’re showing today should remind all members that we are starting afresh, putting aside our differences," Jacob stated.
In a direct response to speculation about what he would do if he lost, Jacob was quick to point out that he wouldn’t abandon the party. "Even if I lose, I won’t scream or make noise just because I didn’t win. I won’t jump to CCM. I’ll simply accept that my time hasn’t come yet and will wait for the right moment," he said, dispelling rumors that Chadema defectors had caused internal instability.
In contrast, Lyenda, who submitted his forms with a smaller group of followers, positioned himself as a candidate with solutions to the challenges facing Chadema. "I have studied and specialized in governance. It’s time for me to help my party through the expertise I’ve gained over the years. If I’m given the mandate, I will unite members and groom future leaders," Lyenda said after submitting his nomination.
The internal Chadema election has also attracted candidates for other positions, such as Vice Chairmanship. Sheikh Ally Mohamed, widely known as "Kadogoo," and former Kisarawe Chadema Chairman Baraka Musa are both in the running for the post. Kadogoo, whose nomination rally was marked by a large turnout, expressed his gratitude to his supporters. "You have honored us by escorting us from Sinza to here. I feel a great responsibility to repay this trust if I win," he stated.
Musa, who has long served Chadema in various capacities, believes his experience makes him the right candidate for the Vice Chairmanship. "Chadema operates on four pillars: freedom, which I have championed per our constitution; justice, which is our democratic foundation; and lastly, development. I have led since my time in Bavicha [the youth wing], and I have the genuine will to serve," Musa said. He added that he welcomes debates with fellow candidates to demonstrate his qualifications.
Within the party’s leadership, there is a growing sense that whoever wins the Chairmanship of the Coastal Zone will play a critical role in Chadema’s future. Kawe Chadema Chairman, Ronald Manyama, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for an experienced and strong leader in this pivotal zone.
"We once led the city of Dar es Salaam without needing to rely on anyone. We led Kawe, Ubungo, Kibamba, and Ukonga because of the will of the people. Now we need a candidate who resonates with them."
Manyama also highlighted Jacob’s leadership capabilities, particularly given the former mayor’s significant achievements. "Even our opponents know Boniface is a threat to them. That’s why you see efforts being made to prevent him from contesting for this position," he said, indicating a series of hurdles allegedly set up to derail Jacob’s candidacy.
At the same time, Kibamba Chadema Chairman, Ernest Mgawe, urged members to carefully choose the right leader who could lead the party to victories in the upcoming elections. "We need a strong leader, someone who understands the party, and now it’s up to us to ensure that we pick the right person."
While the competition between Jacob and Lyenda continues to draw attention, political analysts like Mussa Lugete have warned that the rivalry, if not carefully managed, could divide Chadema’s Coastal Zone right before crucial elections. He suggests that Chadema must navigate internal differences tactfully to avoid weakening its electoral base.
Shinyanga-based political commentator Paschal Makonda highlighted the stakes, saying, "Unity is crucial. Chadema can secure major wins in 2024 and 2025, but only if it overcomes the factionalism that has doomed other parties."
As Chadema’s internal democratic process unfolds, all eyes are on the Coastal Zone, a region critical to the party’s future success. Whether it’s Jacob or Lyenda, the new leadership will have to navigate both internal and external challenges to ensure Chadema emerges victorious in the elections ahead.