In
a bold and emotionally charged press briefing held in Dar es Salaam on January
14, 2025, former Chadema Northern Zone Chairman Godbless Lema made an emphatic
plea for the party’s long-serving leader, Freeman Mbowe, to step down as
national chairman.
Lema’s call for a leadership change comes amid
escalating internal challenges and just days before Chadema’s highly
anticipated elections, scheduled for January 21. His address underscored the
urgent need for fresh leadership to steer the party toward renewed strength and
relevance.
Lema,
known for his unwavering commitment to Chadema’s ideals, began by reflecting on
the immense sacrifices made by the party’s members over the years.
“This
party has been built with the blood and sweat of its people. I have buried
countless comrades, seen families shattered, and witnessed young men and women
lose their futures because they dared to believe in Chadema’s vision. If we
fail to honor these sacrifices by fostering integrity and change, we betray
everything they stood for,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Acknowledging
Mbowe’s pivotal role in shaping Chadema, Lema praised his dedication but
emphasized that it was time for him to hand over the reins.
“Mbowe
has led with distinction, but even he has expressed a desire to rest. I urge
him to listen to his family and embrace this moment to step back and allow new
energy to drive the party forward,” Lema stated firmly.
Lema
declared his unequivocal support for Tundu Lissu, Chadema’s deputy chairman for
mainland Tanzania, as Mbowe’s successor. This endorsement comes amidst rising
anticipation of a closely contested election. “I stand with Lissu.
He
represents the change Chadema desperately needs. Leadership isn’t about
maintaining comfort zones; it’s about transforming lives and moving boldly
toward justice and democracy,” Lema asserted.
Rejecting
concerns about Lissu’s financial capacity to lead, Lema dismissed them as
baseless. “Leadership isn’t measured by wealth. It’s about vision, character,
and the ability to inspire. If Lissu takes the mantle, it is up to all of us,
as members, to ensure the necessary resources are available. Chadema has always
thrived on the strength of its people, not on individual fortunes,” he said
passionately.
Lema
revisited the struggles that defined Chadema’s early days, contrasting the
grassroots passion that once propelled the party with the internal discord threatening
its cohesion today. He shared anecdotes of his own campaign experiences,
recalling how the party once relied solely on public support to achieve
remarkable victories.
“In
one election, I raised campaign funds using public transport, yet we came close
to unseating the ruling party’s candidate. That’s the Chadema spirit we need—a
collective effort fueled by determination and belief in our cause,” he
reflected.
The
press conference also highlighted the internal struggles within Bavicha,
Chadema’s youth wing, as leadership contests intensified.
Lema
expressed concern over the erosion of core values, emphasizing the importance
of discipline and integrity within the party. “Political parties shape the
culture of a nation. If we fail to practice integrity and reject corruption
within our ranks, we cannot claim to lead Tanzania toward progress. Chadema
must embody the change it seeks,” he said.
Responding
to criticisms of Lissu, including claims that he is too outspoken, Lema
defended his candidacy as essential for Chadema’s renewal.
“Some
say Lissu speaks too much truth. But isn’t that what leadership requires?
Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. Chadema was founded to
challenge the status quo, not to conform to it. Lissu represents the fearless
voice we need,” he argued.
Lema
also issued a personal ultimatum regarding his political future, declaring that
he would not seek re-election as Member of Parliament for Arusha Urban if Mbowe
retained the chairmanship.
“I’ve
been approached by many, even family members, urging me to support Mbowe for
the sake of my political career. But I refuse to compromise my principles. If
Mbowe wins, I will step away from parliamentary politics. My loyalty lies with
the vision of a renewed Chadema,” he announced.
In
a move aimed at fostering unity, Lema proposed appointing Dr. Wilbrod Slaa, a
former Chadema secretary-general, to the party’s central committee under
Lissu’s leadership. Lema praised Dr. Slaa’s unwavering dedication to human
rights and democracy, calling for reconciliation and a renewed focus on shared
goals. “Dr. Slaa’s departure left a void, but his commitment to justice remains
evident. Reconciliation is not a sign of weakness; it is a step toward building
a stronger Chadema,” he said.
Lema
acknowledged Mbowe’s contributions to Chadema’s growth, describing him as a
leader who has left an indelible mark on the party. However, he urged Mbowe to
heed his family’s advice and transition into a senior advisory role.
“Mbowe’s
legacy is secure. By stepping back, he can guide the party without the weight
of day-to-day leadership. This is not the end of his journey but the beginning
of a new chapter,” Lema said.
He
recounted past conversations with Mbowe, where the chairman expressed fatigue
and a desire to retire, only to be persuaded otherwise by party members. “A
strong party is not dependent on one individual. Even if Mbowe steps down,
Chadema will endure because it is built on collective strength, not personal
ambition,” Lema asserted.
Lema
linked Chadema’s leadership crisis to its disappointing performance in the 2024
local government elections, warning that failure to address internal discord
could erode public trust.
“The
results were a wake-up call. If we do not resolve our internal challenges and
recommit to our ideals, we risk losing the confidence of the people we seek to
represent,” he cautioned.
In
a heartfelt appeal, Lema encouraged Mbowe to embrace change for the sake of the
party’s future. “Mbowe has given everything to Chadema. Now is the time for him
to rest and allow a new generation to build on his foundation. Chadema is not a
one-man show—it is a movement, and movements thrive on renewal,” he said.
As
the January 21 elections approach, Chadema finds itself at a crossroads. The
outcome of the leadership race will shape the party’s trajectory and its
ability to champion democracy and justice in Tanzania. Lema’s impassioned call
for change, coupled with his endorsement of Lissu, underscores the stakes of
this pivotal moment.
Chadema’s
internal strife reflects a broader struggle for identity and purpose. With its
roots in the sacrifices of countless members, the party must now decide whether
to embrace renewal or risk stagnation. For Lema and many others, the choice is
clear: Chadema must evolve to honor its past and secure its future as a force
for change in Tanzania.