MDC-T bigwigs want Tsvangirai to stepdown

MDC-T spokesman warns party members who want Tsvangirai to step down on health grounds.

MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu described party members calling for Tsvangirai to step down as "saboteurs".

"The MDC has one leader and that is Morgan Tsvangirai, he will be our presidential candidate next year.

"Anybody dreaming otherwise is as good as whistling in a graveyard. Their day of reckoning is coming," he said.

Tsvangirai was released from hospital on Sunday and is expected in the country soon amid mounting calls for him to step down on health grounds, as well as reports that his family is "seriously" considering his future in politics.

MDC-T sources said the former Prime Minister was expected later this week.

"He is expected this week, but there is growing concern on whether he will be able to carry on, given the stress associated with an election campaign," a source said.

"His family is seriously considering persuading him into retirement. It's not easy but they are weighing the options."

Another source claimed Tsvangirai's family was being "pushed" by party hawks angling to succeed him.

"It's not the family per se, but other senior leaders, who think it would be dangerous for them to confront Tsvangirai and tell him to step down.

"They are now coaxing the family to prevail on Tsvangirai to step down," the source said.