About 200 supporters of opposition MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora have reportedly rejoined MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa and complained that Mwonzora had tricked them into joining ZANU PF.
The claims were made by MDC Alliance Bulawayo spokesperson Swithern Chirowodza who said most of the defections happened on Sunday during Chamisa’s visit to the country’s second capital.
The alleged development comes when MDC-T is being accused of being an extension or an ally of the ruling party. MDC-T dismiss the allegations as mere propaganda by its enemies.
Since last year, a number of MDC Alliance officials, mainly legislators and councillors defected to MDC-T at the backdrop of recalls of Chamisa’s allies.
Speaking to NewsDay, Chirowodza claimed scores of those are slowly returning to MDC Alliance. Said Chorwadza:
There were about 200 people from the (Thokozani) KhupeMwonzora faction who were received at Gertrude Mthombeni House. It was a welcome reception.
The returnees said they did not know that Mwonzora was indirectly pushing them to join Zanu-PF. The returnees complained of being tricked into joining Zanu-PF.
Commenting on the alleged defections, MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube said MDC-T has its hands full with important national issues to be involved in a drama by MDC Alliance. He added:
They really have a right to believe their own lies.
There has been a power crisis in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) since the demise of its founder Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018.
The squabbles come when the nation is gearing for the 2023 elections amid warnings by political analysts that the disjointed opposition will likely fail to dislodge ZANU PF from power.
More: Pindula News; NewDay