Lovemore Moyo, chairman of Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Nelson Chamisa has abandoned the party saying he can’t be associated with a party that is “violent, tribalistic and violates its constitution with impunity.”
His adviser, Artwell Sibanda, told VOA Studio 7 that Moyo “will with immediate effect stop associating himself with this party.
“He has quit MDC as a card-carrying member and also in his position as chairman of the national movement. Since the appointment of vice presidents (Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri) which were a deviation from the principles of the Movement for Democratic Change coupled with a violent streak that has been on the rise in the MDC-T, the former national chairman cannot and will not continue to associate with a party that has deviated from its noble founding values and principles, non-violence, non-tribalism, sexism and constitutionalism. These are the values that made the MDC the party of the people.”
Sibanda noted that Moyo will no longer be associated with Ms. Thokozani Khupe of the other MDC-T formation that has criticized Chamisa for allegedly grabbing the post of president following the death of Morgan Tsvangirai, who succumbed to cancer of the colon last month.
“Honorable Moyo has left the MDC-T and so you can read in between the lines.”
He also dismissed reports that he will be joining the National People’s Party led by Joice Mujuru or President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ruling Zanu PF.
“Those are laughable assertions. We are not going to dignify or glorify that with a response. Lovemore Moyo is not associated with Zanu PF, he is not associated with Joice Mujuru and for anyone to say he is joining Zanu PF because he is married to so and so is utter nonsense.”
Sibanda noted that Moyo will be concentrating on issues affecting Matabeleland region, adding that he won’t be joining Mthwakazi Republic Party as suggested by some people.
Moyo, who is a former speaker of parliament and married to the daughter of Zanu PF loyalist Sithembiso Nyoni, is also linked to a non-governmental organization which has been set up to champion devolution and other issues in Matabeleland.
Chamisa and Khupe clashed soon after Tsvangirai’s death with Khupe almost facing the wrath of party supporters in Buhera on the day of the former MDC-T leader’s burial as they accused her of dividing the party by refusing to endorse Chamisa as the new leader.
Her group was also attacked twice at the MDC-T offices before and after Tsvangirai’s death. The assailants accused her of opposition the MDC Alliance, an opposition group fielding Chamisa in the forthcoming general elections.
According to the MDC-T, Chamisa is now the legitimate leader of the party after he was endorsed by two critical organs – the National Standing Committee and National Council.
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MDC-T Chairman Lovemore Moyo Quits