By Takudzwa Changadeya
Bulawayo – Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Welshman Ncube has dismissed rumors that his party’s MPs are backing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his term to 2030.
Social media reports have also suggested that both ruling ZANU PF and opposition MPs are pursuing an extension of their parliamentary terms to match Mnangagwa’s alleged agenda.
In an exclusive interview, Ncube labeled these claims as unfounded.
“What do you want me to confirm or deny.
“That there is beerhall gossip and rumors.
“No, I haven’t heard of such gossip and rumors except from you today,” said Ncube
He added: “What I know for a fact is that we as CCC have not been approached formally or informally to discuss such extensions nor have we of our own accord had any conversations or discussions about it.”
The allegations come at a time of internal strife within the CCC, marked by leadership disputes and court battles.
CCC has been embroiled in turmoil, with ongoing power struggles threatening the party’s stability.
Ncube recently filed a lawsuit challenging self imposed interim Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu’s decisions to demote senior parliamentary leaders.
Tshabangu, regarded by some as a divisive figure, has faced accusations of aiding ZANU PF’s dominance in Parliament.
His controversial recall of CCC MPs enabled ZANU PF to secure a two-thirds majority, raising questions about his allegiance.
These recalls also led to the resignation of former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa in January.
In a 13-page statement, Chamisa decried the party’s infiltration by ZANU PF, alleging that state institutions had been weaponized to “defile and hijack” the opposition.
“The original CCC idea has however been contaminated, bastardized, hijacked by Zanu PF through the abuse of State institutions,” Chamisa wrote in his resignation letter, denying any involvement in the party’s internal conflict.
Meanwhile, Ncube has taken Tshabangu to the High Court, seeking to nullify his unilateral reshuffling of parliamentary leadership.
Tshabangu recently replaced Lynette Karenyi-Kore as opposition leader and Edwin Mushoriwa as chief whip with his own appointees.
In his defense, Tshabangu argued that Ncube’s term as acting president had expired.
“He was not appointed to act in that capacity in perpetuity.
“His term of office and that of the entire executive have expired,” Tshabangu stated in his affidavit.
The High Court is set to hear the case on Monday, as the CCC’s leadership battle intensifies.
