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Dumiso Dabengwa

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
ZAPU president Mr Dumiso Dabengwa has chickened out of the 2018 elections as he fears the prospects of dismally losing again.

Mr Dabengwa’s announcement that he will not participate in the presidential poll follows his re-election as Zapu president during the party’s 8th congress held in Bulawayo last week.

Surprisingly, following his re-election, Mr Dabengwa urged party members to look for another candidate who will stand as the party’s presidential candidate.

The 78-year-old Zapu leader also confirmed his retirement at 80 years, advising party members to start hunting for a suitable candidate now.

“I will not be standing as the candidate for the party in the presidential elections in 2018. I’m now 78-years old and my plan is to retire at 80. The party should therefore start hunting for a new presidential candidate now,” said Mr Dabengwa soon after being re-elected.

Meanwhile, Mr Dabengwa will be deputised by Mrs Laura Makuzva. Mr Jacob Dube is the national treasurer while Mr Strike Mnkandla retained his post as secretary general.

The party’s information, publicity and marketing department will be handled by Mr Tawanda Majoni while his deputy is Mr Iphithule Maphosa.

The party’s organising secretary is Mr Derrick Katsenga.

In the 2013 presidential poll, Mr Dabengwa came fourth after garnering 25 416 votes in an election won by President Mugabe with 2 110 434 votes. — @pamelashumba1