There was drama on Wednesday as ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidate, Luhaga Mpina, was blocked from entering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices in Dodoma.
This incident happened just a day after INEC Director of Elections, Ramadhan Kailima, officially informed the party that Mpina would not be allowed to participate in the nomination exercise scheduled for August 27, 2025.
Mpina and his running mate had earlier collected nomination forms from the commission and were expected to return for the formal submission. However, when they arrived at INEC offices, security officials stopped them from entering the premises.
ACT-Wazalendo has strongly condemned the move, calling it illegal and politically motivated. The party announced plans to take legal action to challenge the decision.
Meanwhile, the commission has not given detailed reasons for barring Mpina, but sources suggest it could be linked to eligibility issues in his nomination documents.
The standoff has raised tensions as the general elections draw closer, with opposition parties accusing INEC of unfair treatment and lack of transparency.
