Mutsvangwa tells aspirants to wait for 2027 congress

Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has cautioned party members against launching early campaigns to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa ahead of the party's 2027 elective congress.

The congress, scheduled a year before Mnangagwa's second and final term expires in 2028, comes amid internal speculation over succession. The party recently adopted a resolution at its annual conference to extend Mnangagwa's tenure to 2030, although the President has publicly stated he does not intend to stay beyond 2028.

Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga is widely viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Mnangagwa, while businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei—recently co-opted into the Zanu-PF central committee—has drawn attention in Harare's inter-district meetings, raising concerns among senior party officials that these gatherings may serve as a campaign platform.

Tagwirei has denied having presidential ambitions, but insiders note that the meetings effectively function as marketing ahead of potential contenders.

Speaking at a press conference, Mutsvangwa urged aspirants to "hold their horses" until the party officially announces a vacancy.

"Having ambition has no provision in the constitution. People should hold their horses until the announcement; everyone should rally behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa," Mutsvangwa said.

He added: "For anyone within the party that thinks they are the candidate ahead of the party announcing a vacancy, there is no natural successor. Anyone who declares themselves a candidate prematurely is acting wrongly."

Mutsvangwa reaffirmed that the party's Resolution Number 1 from the Bulawayo conference confirmed Mnangagwa as party leader until 2030, though the President has reiterated he will not serve beyond 2028. The 2027 congress, he said, will determine the party's succession path.

He also advised party members with presidential ambitions to enrol at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology to deepen their understanding of Zanu-PF principles.

"It's never too late to enrol at Chitepo School of Ideology so that they can understand the party ideology. The mere fact that the President has said he will not go beyond 2028 does not give others a go. Having ambition is not the basis for succession," Mutsvangwa said.

He emphasised that the succession race remains open, with many members eligible to contend. Even potential constitutional amendments, which Zanu-PF is reportedly pursuing through its parliamentary two-thirds majority, cannot make any office bearer an automatic beneficiary.