Magufuli: Why I stood for CCM nomination

Chato. CCM presidential candidate John Magufuli yesterday recalled how his journey to clinching the coveted ruling party ticket began.

Addressing a rally in his Chato constituency, Dr Magufuli said he decided to try his luck after many people asked him to join the race to succeed President Jakaya Kikwete

“I collected and returned nomination forms silently, but I did so after caving in to pressure, which gave me the courage and resolve to try my luck,” he said. Dr Magufuli was mobbed by an ecstatic crowd that stretched for several kilometres to welcome him to his political base for the first time since his nomination in Dodoma last week. His long motorcade brought business at the district headquarters to a standstill when it made its entry at around 3.30pm.

He had arrived from Geita District, where he received an equally euphoric welcome from CCM supporters and other residents, who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of his convoy as it zoomed past. Residents blocked the road at a number of places and asked the CCM candidate to address them.

In Chato, where he has been MP for 20 years now, Dr Magufuli thanked the people for their support and vowed to continue being their advocate even in his new role as president should he win in October.

“I began as your MP when this place was just a bush and together we have done a lot to make it a presentable district. I promise you that, God willing, Chato will become a region,” Dr Magufuli told the cheering crowd.

The welcoming party included traditional dance troupes, some with hyenas in tow.

Dr Magufuli later said he had never seen such a big crowd in Chato in his two decades as the area MP.

The CCM candidate also witnessed scores of opposition supporters join CCM at the rally.

He told them: “My win is not for the lake zone only but for the entire country. I will work hard for all the citizens and will remain the same Magufuli you have known. I will not let you down.”

Earlier in the morning, Dr Magufuli set out from Busisi jetty aboard a ferry, which was escorted by jubilant fishermen flying CCM flags on their boats. The candidate was accompanied on his the tour by CCM Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland) Rajab Ruhavi and Ideology and Publicity Secretary Nape Nnauye.

His convoy snaked through placard-waving crowds along the Geita-Bukoba highway. Some of the placards referred to the minister as tingatinga (bulldozer).