Lisu Decides Against Running for Singida West MP

Lisu Declines to Contest for Singida West MP Seat, Kingu Responds

Singida, February 28, 2025 – As the country prepares for the general elections scheduled for October 2025, Hamis Lisu, a prominent figure in the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) from Ikungi district, Singida, has announced that he will not be vying for the Singida West parliamentary seat. This marks a significant shift, as Lisu was among those who participated in the CCM primaries in 2020 but lost to Elibariki Kingu, who emerged victorious in both the primaries and the subsequent general elections.

Lisu’s decision to step back from the race stems from his acknowledgment that the current Member of Parliament (MP), Kingu, has successfully fulfilled the promises made in the party’s election manifesto. Lisu pointed to Kingu’s performance as a key factor in his decision, reinforcing that the incumbent has delivered effectively for the people.

This sentiment was echoed during a visit by CCM Secretary-General Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi in June 2024. During the visit, members of the party leadership praised Kingu for his accomplishments. "We have seen significant work done in this area. If anyone is considering a challenge here, they must be well-prepared. This shows the closeness between the MP and his constituents," one of the senior officials remarked.

In a public meeting held at Sepuka Ward on Thursday, February 27, 2025, which was organized by Kingu, Lisu was present and acknowledged the significant developments under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.

“I’ve never attended one of Kingu’s meetings since he became MP. You might understand why, but today, God told me to come. I appreciate the MP for inviting me here, but as I saw the dust rising, I asked myself, do I truly have the strength?” Lisu said, to applause from the crowd.

He continued, reflecting on the political atmosphere: “Do I really have the strength to compete with this man (Kingu)? I ask those who had been encouraging me to take the nomination forms to reconsider their position and relax,” he added, amidst laughter and claps from the audience.

While acknowledging his admiration for the work done by the current MP, Lisu also contemplated his political journey: "I’ve made a wise decision based on the major work our leaders have done and the love they’ve shown," he said.

Meanwhile, Kingu reiterated his commitment to continue working hard for the people, emphasizing that he is dedicated to fulfilling the promises he made during his election campaign. "My people expect progress, and they see me delivering on all my promises and more. This is an election year, and when the time comes, everything will be clear. But for now, the party has not yet begun its official campaign," Kingu stated.