A SIMMERING power struggle within the opposition has come into the open after a message by Amos Chibaya urged supporters aligned to opposition leader Nelson Chamisa to exit a WhatsApp platform convened by his former ally, Jameson Timba, escalating tensions within the opposition.
The message, circulated among opposition figures who claim to be aligned to Chamisa, ordered them to leave the Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP), a grouping established by Timba to co-ordinate opposition against the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3.
The Bill proposes sweeping amendments to the Constitution, including extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office and that of Parliament by two years.
Timba, who assumed leadership of the Citizens Coalition for Change as administrator following Chamisa’s resignation from the party in January 2024, says DCP was not a political party, but an initiative to challenge the proposed constitutional changes.
However, relations between Timba and Chibaya have long been strained, with Chibaya reportedly mobilising opposition activists who claim loyalty to Chamisa to distance themselves from Timba’s initiatives.
In the latest move, Chibaya’s message warns those aligned to their faction against participating in WhatsApp groups bearing the DCP logo, saying such initiatives are not in line with Chamisa’s strategic direction.
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“Ladies and gentlemen, be advised accordingly: the above logo is not our child,” the message read.
“Our special focus is Agenda 2026, as explained by our leader, president advocate Nelson Chamisa.
“Let’s follow the laid-down trajectory and ignore many side-shows that are meant to defocus us from our core business as a movement.”
It continues: “There are many WhatsApp groups created in our province by our yesteryear detractors, who are busy adding our membership.
“You are kindly advised to exit such groups, led by people who are not pro-the vision of advocate Nelson Chamisa.
“Our position will be communicated to you by the leadership through our usual channels. Let’s focus more on building a stronger foundation for the movement.”
“Agenda 2026” is widely understood to be Chamisa’s roadmap for rebuilding his political base ahead of the next electoral cycle, following his dramatic exit from the CCC in January 2024.
Timba condemned attempts to intimidate critics of the proposed constitutional amendments.
“The platform I convene is the DCP, a non-partisan initiative that enables citizens to exercise their constitutional rights in defence of constitutionalism,” he told NewsDay when contacted for comment.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Zimbabwe and participation in the 90-day consultative process cannot require permission from any political grouping. No one needs permission to defend the Constitution.
“The person or group that discourages anyone from defending their Constitution, can only do so if they are pro-2030.”
Repeated efforts to obtain a comment from Chibaya were fruitless.
Political observers said the latest developments expose deep fissures within the opposition at a time when analysts have said co-ordination is crucial in responding to constitutional reforms that critics argue could undermine democratic safeguards.