A fresh storm is brewing within Zimbabwe’s opposition politics following the return of former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa to frontline politics.
His comments suggesting that the opposition space was “vacant” during his absence have drawn sharp criticism from Herbert Chamuka, President of the People’s Unity Party (PUP), who has accused Chamisa of arrogance and political disrespect.
Chamisa, who stepped back from active leadership after the disputed 2023 general elections and internal challenges within the CCC, recently announced his political comeback.
In a widely shared video, Chamisa said he was returning to the “dance floor” because no one had stepped up to lead the opposition during his time away.
“I left the dance floor hoping somebody else would occupy it, but it has remained vacant.
“I have seen it fit to return to dance for my nation, for the citizens and for the future," Chamisa said.
Chamisa says his return is aimed at rebuilding hope, restoring democratic values, and offering Zimbabweans a fresh political start.
He has promised a people driven movement that goes beyond party structures and focuses on accountability, economic recovery and national renewal.
However, Herbert Chamuka has dismissed Chamisa’s remarks as insulting and disconnected from political reality.
Chamuka argues that several opposition parties and civic leaders have continued to work tirelessly despite limited resources and political pressure.
“Chamisa should just return to the political arena without undermining the political parties that have been active during his absence.
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“His claim that the seat of the opposition was vacant is insanity. People like us have been working day and night to make sure the voice of the opposition is heard," Chamuka said.
Chamuka went further, warning Zimbabweans to approach Chamisa’s leadership with caution, pointing to what he described as a history of sidelining colleagues and abandoning allies.
“Leaders like Chamisa should be followed with caution, considering how he dumped people all along.
"For him to return and simply say there was no one active is both unfair and dangerous,' he said.
Chamuka is also spearheading the
Inclusive Government Agenda (IGA), an initiative that calls for dialogue among political parties, churches, civil society groups and ordinary citizens.
The IGA promotes national unity and reforms aimed at resolving Zimbabwe’s long standing political and economic crises.
Reacting to Chamisa’s remarks, Chamuka said the comments were deeply insulting to those involved in opposition work.
“With Chamisa now saying there was no one active, I take it as an insult,” he said.
“If the IGA objective comes to fruition, we will need them all, including Chamisa, and we won’t have bad blood with him. But he should be very careful what he says. We do not want leaders who create division," Chamuka added.
Chamisa remains one of Zimbabwe’s most popular opposition figures, especially among young voters, but his return has reopened old debates about leadership style, unity and strategy within the opposition.
Analysts say his success will depend on whether he can rebuild trust, work with other political players and avoid repeating past mistakes.
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