A prominent Zanu-PF member has refused to accept his expulsion from Zimbabwe’s ruling party, intensifying internal opposition to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial bid to extend his presidency until 2030.

Blessed R. Geza declared his determination to remain within Zanu-PF despite his expulsion, directly challenging Mnangagwa’s leadership. “I declare that I’m still Zanu-PF and remain Zanu-PF to the core,” Geza said in a statement Monday.

The dispute centers on proposed constitutional amendments that would postpone the 2028 elections to 2030, effectively extending Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the current two-term limit. Party officials argue his second term should not count as complete.

National political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha reinforced the party’s stance at a weekend meeting, rejecting calls for a referendum. “There is no going back in implementing the resolution,” he stated.

The move has sparked resistance from war veterans and party members who see it as undermining Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution, designed to prevent extended presidential tenure following Robert Mugabe’s long rule.

“The real drama now will unfold against Emmerson’s machinations. We’ll occupy the State House against all odds,” Geza promised in his defiant response.