President Emmerson Mnangagwa has publicly said he does not want to stay in power beyond 2028. He says he will follow the constitution, which limits a president to two terms. But behind the scenes, things are different. His supporters are pushing for him to stay in power beyond his second term, extending his presidency to 2030. This campaign is strong, well-planned, and shows that Mnangagwa is aware of it and likely approves.

Mnangagwa’s public denial of wanting to extend his term may seem convincing to some, but it is clear from his allies’ actions that there is a hidden agenda. By saying one thing in public and allowing something else to happen behind the scenes, Mnangagwa can claim innocence if things don’t work out. He can say it was his supporters who wanted him to stay, not him. But many people see this as just another political game where leaders say what the public wants to hear but act differently in private.

The biggest problem with Mnangagwa’s plan is that not everyone in Zanu PF is happy about it. Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and his supporters, especially those in the military, are not pleased. This has created tension within the party. Different groups are now fighting for power and control. If Mnangagwa tries to extend his presidency, it could lead to a serious power struggle within Zanu PF.

One clear sign of Mnangagwa’s hidden plan is that many of his close allies are openly supporting the campaign for him to stay. Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen “Mudha” Ncube, a loyal supporter of Mnangagwa, has even been seen on video supporting the campaign for Mnangagwa to remain in power. Just like Ncube, other allies are showing their true intentions, making it clear that there is a plan to keep Mnangagwa in office beyond 2028.

This strategy is not new in Zimbabwean politics. Many leaders have used similar tricks to stay in power, even when their terms should have ended. They follow the law in public but work behind the scenes to stay in control. In Mnangagwa’s case, his public denials are a way to protect himself if things go wrong. If the plan fails, he can say he was not part of it.

But the tension within Zanu PF is real, and it could lead to more serious problems. Chiwenga has strong support in the military, and he might not allow Mnangagwa to extend his time in office without a fight. If this conflict continues, it could weaken Zanu PF and create more instability in Zimbabwe. The country has already faced many political and economic problems, and another power struggle could make things worse.

On the other hand, Mnangagwa’s supporters believe he is the only person who can keep Zimbabwe stable. They think he is the best leader for the country and that Chiwenga is a threat to their power. This is why they are working hard to keep Mnangagwa in office. They want to protect their own positions and influence in the government. To them, it is better for Mnangagwa to stay, even if it means breaking the law.

In the end, Mnangagwa’s plan to stay in power beyond 2028 may cause more division and conflict within the government and Zanu PF. This campaign to extend his term limit shows that Zimbabwean politics is often more about holding onto power than following the constitution or doing what is best for the country. Leaders and their allies try to keep control for as long as they can, even if it goes against the law or the will of the people.

The next few years will show if Mnangagwa’s plan will succeed or if the growing tension within Zanu PF will stop him. One thing is clear, though: his public statements are only part of the story. Behind the scenes, his real goal is to stay in power beyond 2028, and his allies are working hard to make sure it happens. The question is whether the people of Zimbabwe will accept this, or if they will push back against yet another attempt to stay in power beyond what the constitution allows.