How ACT-Wazalendo is positioning itself to attract disillusioned politicians

Dar es Salaam. Opposition party ACT-Wazalendo has reaffirmed its openness to receiving politicians seeking a new political home, declaring it will remain a platform for reformists who feel sidelined within their current parties.

The party stressed that new members would be welcomed and given equal opportunity to vie for various positions, provided they adhere to the party’s constitutional nomination procedures, just like existing members.

The party has extended the deadline for collecting nomination forms for key positions, including the presidency, Parliament, the House of Representatives, and local councils, in its efforts to walk the talk.

The party’s intent to attract disappointed politicians from other parties was first signalled by its former leader, Mr Zitto Kabwe, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

On Friday, April 18, 2025, ACT-Wazalendo Secretary General Ado Shaibu told a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam that the party was founded as an alternative for those disillusioned with traditional political structures.

“If you look at the origins of ACT-Wazalendo, it was created as a home for those dissatisfied with the status quo,” he said.

He cited the late veteran politician Seif Sharif Hamad, who decamped to ACT-Wazalendo after falling out with his former party, a clear example of its role as a political refuge for reform-minded leaders.

“For that reason, it should not come as a surprise if some politicians, facing internal challenges in their parties, are now considering joining ACT-Wazalendo,” added Mr Shaibu, issuing a direct appeal to potential defectors.

“I would like to make this clear—anyone wishing to join ACT-Wazalendo, whether to seek public office or to champion political change, will be welcomed without hesitation. Nomination processes will be conducted based on the party constitution,” he said.

Mr Shaibu also referred to internal divisions within Chadema, particularly among the group of 55 members (G55) who have publicly disagreed with their party’s decision to boycott elections, suggesting that ACT-Wazalendo could serve as a natural alternative.

“If they feel they can no longer align with their party’s direction, ACT-Wazalendo is ready to receive them,” he noted.

As part of this broader strategy, Mr Shaibu announced extended deadlines for collecting nomination forms, noting that presidential aspirants now have until 25 April 2025 to collect their forms.

Those seeking parliamentary and House of Representatives seats have until 31 May, while council aspirants—including special seat candidates—have until 25 May.

He said the extensions were based on a resolution passed by the party’s National Executive Committee, which convened on 15 April 2025 in Zanzibar.

Mr Shaibu spoke of the interest shown so far, noting that 317 members had collected nomination forms for parliamentary seats, and 106 for House of Representatives positions.

Turning to voter registration, Mr Shaibu confirmed that the party had received the official timetable for the second phase of the national voter registration exercise, which will cover all regions.

He urged Tanzanians to participate and downplay people discouraging voter registration.

“A voter ID is the number one weapon in the fight to protect the value of your vote, to defend democracy, and to reject CCM,” he said.

“Anyone advising you not to register is, in effect, sending you into battle unarmed. Discouraging others from registering is weakening the broader struggle for electoral justice,” he added.

He added that ACT-Wazalendo would soon roll out a national campaign to mobilise voters and encourage broader political participation.

“We will be conducting countrywide outreach. We do not expect to be obstructed or harassed in this lawful exercise,” he said.

The developments reflect ACT-Wazalendo’s broader strategy to expand its support base ahead of the next general election by positioning itself as a political home for voters and politicians who feel excluded or unrepresented by their current affiliations.