Mwonzora Is Finished, Says Mudzuri as MDC Reclaims Its Soul
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) interim leader Elias Mudzuri on Friday declared Douglas Mwonzora no longer fit to lead the opposition party, announcing a nationwide restructuring exercise aimed at rebuilding the battered MDC ahead of the 2028 general elections following years of internal turmoil and court-driven leadership disputes.
This comes as the MDC grapples with internal divisions following a High Court ruling that nullified Douglas Mwonzora’s leadership, prompting rival factions to agree on a steering committee to rebuild party structures ahead of the 2028 elections.
Addressing the press, Mudzuri said the party was focused on unity and rebuilding rather than internal battles, emphasizing that Harvest House, the MDC headquarters, should serve as a space for collaboration and not conflict.
“Mr. Mwonzora is no longer in charge of the party. We have got his people and all members of MDC who want to rebuild MDC to go ahead. So that is the process we are talking about,” Mudzuri said.
“Harvest House is not a place of battle…it is a place where we are all housed as MDC, and all members of MDC, and the country at large.”
He insisted the restructuring was not a personal fight with Mwonzora but a mission to revive the original MDC founded by the late Morgan Tsvangirai.
“We are going to make sure every Zimbabwean who is willing to be a member of the original MDC comes to the table and we form a steering committee.
“That steering committee will be on provinces, with each represented by a number of people agreed by our Joint Operation and Implementation Committee,” he said.
On grassroots mobilisation, he said disgruntled members were ready to return once Mwonzora was removed.
“People are there and they are saying remove Mwonzora and we will come back. Structures yes, they have been down but we are rebuilding and everyone is open to join,” he added.
Former Masvingo provincial chairperson John Nyika criticized Mwonzora’s leadership, saying:
“MDC has never had zero votes at a polling station since 2000 but with Mwonzora we got a zero. If he insists on staying in power, there is something wrong,” Nyika said.
