Nashinge explains conspicuous absence at Heroes Day event
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) spokesperson and opposition leader in parliament, Imms Nashinge, says he skipped the Heroes Day event in Katima Mulilo due to a lack of fuel – not because of confusion over whether the invitation was meant for him or for IPC leader Dr Panduleni Itula.
While Nashinge holds the title of leader of the opposition, Itula has sometimes referred to himself similarly – fueling speculation that the pair might be at loggerheads over who the title belonged to.
Both Nashinge – whose name appeared on the official programme – and Itula skipped the Heroes Day commemoration in the Zambezi Region last week despite an invitation.
As the leader of the opposition in parliament, Nashinge is entitled to a parliamentary office, a bodyguard, an official vehicle driver, and a personal assistant of his choice. Recent reports suggest he has not yet received these perks.
Speculation has been fuelled by instances where Itula referred to himself as leader of the opposition at public events, while Nashinge continues to carry the official title of leader of the opposition in parliament.
Responding yesterday, Nashinge said there is no ambiguity.
“Confusion around this matter is only for individual Namibians who are refusing to accept change and have political agendas known to themselves. At national level and at national events, logic dictates that Dr Itula is the leader and president of IPC, the second-largest political party in Namibia. I am a delegated leader of the official opposition in parliament, delegated to deal with the party matters in parliament. My role is strictly in parliament,” he explained.
Nashinge emphasised that Itula’s role as IPC president automatically makes him the national leader of the official opposition.
“Even a toddler knows that Dr Itula, as the president of IPC, is the leader of the official opposition political party in Namibia. That is a fact no one can take away — over 280 000 Namibians voted for him,” he said.
He also brushed off rumours about his absence from the Heroes Day commemoration.
“Correct your rumour mongers that the reason I did not go is because of the fuel I did not have and the disorganisation! Else good luck with your cheap politics, compatriot,” he told Namibian Sun.
Background to the dispute
Itula could not be reached for comment, but five months ago he rejected the title of leader of the opposition in parliament, branding it unconstitutional. Parliament countered that he could not have occupied the role in any case, as he is not an elected MP.
In the same month, IPC appointed Nashinge to facilitate the role in the National Assembly, a move he said reflected structure and discipline within the party.
Announcing IPC’s shadow cabinet at the time, Itula said the party would take a different approach to opposition politics by acting as an “ultimate accountability committee” to scrutinise government actions.
“Modern democracy is not built through majority rule. It is a political system that combines the leadership and responsibility of governments with fundamental rights, the rule of law, checks and balances, impartial administration, and participatory engagement,” he said.
Legal challenge pending
Although IPC provisionally accepted the position of leader of the opposition, the party has maintained its objection to the legality of the designation and announced plans to challenge it in court.
For now, Nashinge remains in charge of IPC’s parliamentary duties, while Itula continues to serve as national party leader.
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While Nashinge holds the title of leader of the opposition, Itula has sometimes referred to himself similarly – fueling speculation that the pair might be at loggerheads over who the title belonged to.
Both Nashinge – whose name appeared on the official programme – and Itula skipped the Heroes Day commemoration in the Zambezi Region last week despite an invitation.
As the leader of the opposition in parliament, Nashinge is entitled to a parliamentary office, a bodyguard, an official vehicle driver, and a personal assistant of his choice. Recent reports suggest he has not yet received these perks.
Speculation has been fuelled by instances where Itula referred to himself as leader of the opposition at public events, while Nashinge continues to carry the official title of leader of the opposition in parliament.
Responding yesterday, Nashinge said there is no ambiguity.
“Confusion around this matter is only for individual Namibians who are refusing to accept change and have political agendas known to themselves. At national level and at national events, logic dictates that Dr Itula is the leader and president of IPC, the second-largest political party in Namibia. I am a delegated leader of the official opposition in parliament, delegated to deal with the party matters in parliament. My role is strictly in parliament,” he explained.
Nashinge emphasised that Itula’s role as IPC president automatically makes him the national leader of the official opposition.
“Even a toddler knows that Dr Itula, as the president of IPC, is the leader of the official opposition political party in Namibia. That is a fact no one can take away — over 280 000 Namibians voted for him,” he said.
He also brushed off rumours about his absence from the Heroes Day commemoration.
“Correct your rumour mongers that the reason I did not go is because of the fuel I did not have and the disorganisation! Else good luck with your cheap politics, compatriot,” he told Namibian Sun.
Background to the dispute
Itula could not be reached for comment, but five months ago he rejected the title of leader of the opposition in parliament, branding it unconstitutional. Parliament countered that he could not have occupied the role in any case, as he is not an elected MP.
In the same month, IPC appointed Nashinge to facilitate the role in the National Assembly, a move he said reflected structure and discipline within the party.
Announcing IPC’s shadow cabinet at the time, Itula said the party would take a different approach to opposition politics by acting as an “ultimate accountability committee” to scrutinise government actions.
“Modern democracy is not built through majority rule. It is a political system that combines the leadership and responsibility of governments with fundamental rights, the rule of law, checks and balances, impartial administration, and participatory engagement,” he said.
Legal challenge pending
Although IPC provisionally accepted the position of leader of the opposition, the party has maintained its objection to the legality of the designation and announced plans to challenge it in court.
For now, Nashinge remains in charge of IPC’s parliamentary duties, while Itula continues to serve as national party leader.
[email protected]
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