Tafadzwa Nyikadzino

MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora has extended an olive branch to former members, Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti and Welshman Ncube to return to the party years after they separated due to power struggles.

Speaking at a press conference which was held in the capital, Mwonzora said the MDC welcomes every person who wants to come back as long as they follow the party’s constitution.

“Tendai Biti is free to come back, Welshman Ncube is free to come back, Nelson Chamisa is free to come back provided they follow the Constitution of the MDC. What we do not accept at the MDC is a hostile take over,” said Mwonzora.

Mwonzora’s sentiments come years after Nelson Chamisa left the MDC to form a new political party (Citizens Coalition for Change) together with Biti and Ncube. He then left the party after engaging in power squabbles with the duo.

Currently, Chamisa and Biti have no political parties. Ncube leads a faction of the CCC, and claims to be in control of Members of Parliament and Senators who were elected through the party’s card on the last elections.

It is highly unlikely that Chamisa, Biti and Ncube can heed Mwonzora’s call to return to the party, especially when he is in charge. However, the call presents an opportunity for veteran opposition leaders to unite again.