By A Corresponde,James Gwati

Copyright zimeye

By A Correspondent – Obert Mpofu has openly refused to obey President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s directive to step aside for his replacement, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda.

Mpofu, was fired from the party’s secretary general post and reassigned to the less influential portfolio of Secretary for ICT after a heated Politburo meeting that embarrassed Mnangagwa in front of his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, has continued to issue official party correspondence under the powerful title of Secretary-General.

Two letters written on 25 September 2025 exposed the widening rift. One, bearing Mpofu’s signature, confirmed the conferment of Liberation Hero status on the late Cde John Gowa. The other, signed by Mudenda, announced a State-Assisted Funeral for Cde Babongiwe Sikhonjwa. Both men used the title Secretary-General, deepening confusion over who actually controls Zanu PF’s administration.

Mnangagwa had announced Mpofu’s demotion this week in a broader reshuffle designed to weaken Chiwenga’s factional grip. Mudenda, a long-time Mnangagwa ally, was elevated to the post of Secretary-General, while Patrick Chinamasa and Ziyambi Ziyambi were strategically repositioned to consolidate the president’s loyalists.

But Mpofu’s continued use of the title has sent a clear signal: he will not go quietly. As one of Chiwenga’s strongest allies, his defiance is seen as a direct challenge to Mnangagwa’s authority and a show of solidarity with the vice president’s camp.

The open defiance comes at a time when tensions in Zanu PF have reached dangerous levels. Chiwenga’s presentation of an explosive anti-corruption dossier targeting Mnangagwa’s allies, including business tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei, has shaken the ruling party to its core. Intelligence warnings reportedly forced Mnangagwa to cancel his planned trip to the United Nations General Assembly, fearing his camp could be crippled in his absence.