By Jane Mlambo| Expelled MDC-T Organising Secretary Abednico Bhebhe has dealt a major blow to Douglas Mwonzora after turning down his re-admission into the party saying the meeting that presided over the decision had no constitutional mandate to do so.
In a statement yesterday, Bhebhe said the process of his re-admission was fraught with irregularities as he never appealed as stated by the party constitution.
He added that the Extra ordinary congress that elected Mwonzora was chaotic and shambolic while raising concern over the party’s failure to communicate directly with him instead of using the media.
“Following an MDC-T press release 06/02/2021 and the import of its content, I have felt it necessary to respond and clarify on certain perceptions created by that statement either deliberately or inadvertently.
“Under normal circumstances, I would not be addressing such matters through the media but since like all readers I also learnt of the purpoted readmission through the press, it leaves me with no other option but to respond in kind.
“For the benefit of all, the cardinal rule for any re-admission of an expelled member, as provided for in the party constitution is for that concerned member to make an appeal I the next congress. For the record I did not appeal and had no intention whatsoever to appeal to the EOC because of its chaotic and shambolic nature.” said Bhebhe.
He launched a vitrolic attack at Mwonzora for what he termed as portraying him as a desperate politician seeking someone’s benevolence which he said was unacceptable.
“The supposed resolution to re-admit me in the MDC-T as an ordinary party member is not only a violation of the party constitution, unless of course if the said gathering amended that clause as well, but more concerning is the devious portrayal as well as battering my character as if I am a desperate politician seeking someone’s benevolence,” added Bhebhe.
He stated that he did not recognize the outcome of the December congress which declared Mwonzora the winner while calling on the party to sit down and elect an interim leader pending a proper elective meeting.
“I want to make it categorically clear that I do not recognize the outcome of the 27th December 2020 EOC and hence the so called National Council has no legal mandate to re-admit to what I do not even recognize.
“As far as I am concerned the EOC elections were not conducted and hence the amendment of the constitution illegitimate. My position is that the party must sit down and elect an interim leader pending a proper EOC, where every willing member is given a chance to vote or contest for the Presidency,” said Bhebhe.