FORMER Zanu PF youth activist Acie Lumumba says the newly appointed MDC-T vice president Nelson Chamisa was best suited to contest for the country’s presidency in 2018 elections.
Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, the now Viva Zimbabwe leader also said he recognised the role played by MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai in opposition politics, describing the former Prime Minister as a “champion of democracy”.
Chamisa’s elevation as MDC-T co-VP has brought excitement among both MDC-T and its opponents.
Similarly, Lumumba has described the former ICT minister as a “brilliant” young man who needed the support of all Zimbabweans to ascend to the country’s most powerful office.
“Nelson Chamisa is the god father of all the people who will be 40 years by the year 2018. VIVA Zimbabwe will push for the Chamisa presidency, we hope Chamisa runs for the presidency in the year 2018,” said Lumumba.
“We recognise with exceptional note the promotion of Nelson Chamisa to be Vice President of MDC T, and we congratulate him on his promotion,” he added.
Lumumba further said the Kuwadzwa MP had already proven his capabilities of becoming a great national leader, adding he had already set an impeccable record in that capacity.
“Before I left Zanu PF, I knew who Chamisa was. I knew him from a distance, but did not know him personally. You don’t need to know Nelson to know he is gifted…politics ought to make a space for people like Nelson, I think he is very practical,” said Lumumba.
Lumumba had no kind words for the current crop of opposition leaders who he said had no message for young Zimbabweans.
He however described former vice president and ZimPF leader Joice Mujuru as God fearing while also reserving praise for Tsvangirai.
Lumumba further predicted a bleak future for his former party, Zanu PF.
“Zanu PF will destroy itself; its either some people will be kicked out or will leave Zanu PF,” he said.
“Mai Mujuru is a very solid woman who is very prayerful, extremely prayerful. As for Tsvangirai, I was told of him as someone who is very ugly and didn’t know what he stood for but in fact, he is champion of democracy, something which almost cost his life and that of his family, but their message does not resonate with the youth,” he said.
Tsvangirai is currently down with colon cancer. The ailment has brought fears around his political future with strong indications he may be forced to quit active politics.-VOP
