By Claver Nyuki

MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa, during that party’s National Executive Committee meeting held at Morgan Tsvangirai house over the weekend, read the riot act against senior party members whom he accused of being too ambitious while ordering them to stay in their lane.

Chamisa’s caveat comes against reports in both print and online publications which revealed that the perennial donors of that party, the West prefer his deputy, Tendai Biti’s presidential candidature in 2023.

“I just want to give a stern warning to those in here who might harbour ambitions to oust me as the party leader and encourage everyone to just stay in their own lane in this struggle against ZANU PF and Mr Mnangagwa.

“I am different from the late Morgan Tsvangirai who tolerated ambitious individuals. I would damage such people and will remove them from the party,” he fumed.

The statement was also be directed at Deputy National Chairperson, Job Sikhala who, of late, has been reportedly holding secret meetings with US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Brian Nichols without notifying the party leader.    

Chamisa also went on to castigate members against making reckless statements in public and singled out Sikhala who was arrested and is facing treason charges after declaring that the MDC would overthrow the President, Emmerson Mnangagwa before 2023.

Chamisa said, “Let me also caution those who are making reckless statements which may hurt the party’s objectives.

“Our friends from the West were not too pleased with Mr Sikhala’s statements which led to his arrest, claiming that we are deviating from being a democratic party and resembling more of a militia outfit,” he added.

Chamisa’s foul mood could also have been influenced by reports that Sikhala was quoted as saying Chamisa is a ‘coward, lacks courage and is weak.’

Reports of increased difference within that party’s leadership continue to surface on social media with analysts claiming that the members are increasingly becoming disoriented with Chamisa’s leadership whom they accuse of lacking tangible ideas in the fight against ZANU PF.