Chamisa Rejects Coalition Push Ahead of 2028 Polls
Nelson Chamisa has rejected opposition coalition calls ahead of Zimbabwe’s 2028 elections, urging parties to rebuild grassroots trust and leadership instead of “recycled alliances.” His stance deepens divisions over unity strategies against ZANU-PF.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Harare - Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has reportedly poured cold water on renewed efforts to forge a grand opposition coalition ahead of the 2028 general elections, saying Zimbabweans are demanding a new political direction rather than “recycled alliances”.
Sources close to Chamisa said the opposition leader believes past coalition arrangements failed to produce meaningful political change and instead exposed weaknesses within opposition movements.
Insiders say Chamisa has urged opposition parties to prioritise rebuilding public confidence, strengthening grassroots structures and cultivating credible leadership instead of pursuing what he allegedly views as political alliances of convenience.
His remarks come amid growing calls from opposition figures, civil society organisations and pro-democracy activists for a united front to challenge the ruling ZANU-PF in the next elections, against the backdrop of worsening economic hardships and mounting public discontent.
The coalition debate has laid bare divisions within the opposition landscape, with some political actors arguing that unity remains the only viable strategy to confront ZANU-PF’s electoral dominance.
Others, however, contend that coalition politics often trigger internal power struggles, dilute accountability and undermine long-term organisational stability.
Political observers say Chamisa’s latest stance could complicate ongoing behind-the-scenes engagements among opposition parties seeking to rally behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2028 polls.
Others, however, contend that coalition politics often trigger internal power struggles, dilute accountability and undermine long-term organisational stability.
Political observers say Chamisa’s latest stance could complicate ongoing behind-the-scenes engagements among opposition parties seeking to rally behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2028 polls.
