The Tendai Biti led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has finally officially declared that it is joining the Joyce Mujuru led Zimbabwe People First party.
This is a plus for Mujuru to have in her ranks the top lawyer who has served in opposition ranks over the years, fell out with Morgan Tsvangirai and formed his own PDP party.
Addressing over six thousand people attending the Zimbabwe People First rally in Manjolo Business Centre today, the PDP Vice President Samuel Sipepa Nkomo said that his party will soon be finalising arrangements to be incorporated into the Zimbabwe People First.
Sipepa declared that his party will definitely not be fielding a presidential candidate in the 2018 elections but will be backing and joining the former Vice President Mujuru.
Further inquiries by ZimEye among senior PDP leaders, revealed that indeed the party is in advanced negotiations with Mujuru who has of late been on a charm offensive winning hearts among opposition supporters. Mujuru a Mugabe protege received a standing ovation when she addressed thousands of Tsvangirai’s supporters recently.
Tsvangirai who has for years led the opposition is a pale shadow of his former self, weighed down by health problems, financial challenges and leadership issues which saw him decide he needs the help of three Vice Presidents to run the once vibrant opposition party.
Mujuru welcomed the decision by the PDP and assured the gathering that her party is fully prepared to work with all other opposition parties in the country.
PDP senior leaders throughout the country have been suspiciously appearing at Mujuru provincial star rallies without formally declaring their party’s position.
Meanwhile, the PDP National Vice Chairman Washington Sibanda who recently declared his defection to the Zimbabwe People First has withdrawn his resignation from the PDP.
Zimeye is reliably informed that Sibanda withdrew his resignation after being advise by senior party leaders that the defection was no longer necessary as the two parties were soon to integrate.
Sources close to developments revealed to ZimEye that senior Tsvangirai members of the National Executive will also soon be jumping ship.