Former Francistown mayor and Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) specially elected councillor, Peter Ngoma is said to be on the brink of jumping ship to join the opposition Alliance for Progressives (AP), to revive his dwindling political career. A councillor, who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, revealed that Ngoma has been in consultation with AP leadership about his impeding political move.
The councillor claims that Ngoma was approached by elders in Tati East constituency who expressed their desire for Ngoma to represent the purple movement at the upcoming general elections. “It is just a matter of time before an announcement is made. Ngoma will be unveiled by our vice president Wynter Mmolotsi,” the councillor averred. Currently AP does not have a parliamentary candidate in Tati East and therefore elders strongly belief that Ngoma can be the right candidate. The councillor explained that an announcement will soon be made at a press briefing regarding Ngoma’s looming defection.
Ngoma told The Patriot on Sunday that indeed AP leadership has been in contact with him. “As politicians we are always recruited by numerous political parties. Yes, I can confirm that I have had meetings with AP leadership where they recruited me but for now I cannot reveal much about the issue,” he said. According to Ngoma, he is not aware that he has been eyed to contest for Tati East constituency under AP ticket.
In the build up to 2014 general elections Ngoma contested for BDP primary elections –Bulela Ditswe- in Francistown South constituency where he lost to the current Francistown Mayor, Sylvia Muzila. The former Botswana People’s Party (BPP) activist also recently tried his luck for council candidacy at his home village, Zwenshambe where he was once again unsuccessful. Ngoma, who is one of the most vocal councillors in Francistown City Council, even tried to topple Muzila from the mayorship through a motion of no confidence by leading an onslaught by a group of councillors. At that time, Ngoma and his other colleagues within the ruling party were accusing Muzila of being biased towards her favourite councillors during debates in chambers. They also accused Muzila of failing to spear head developments in the second city.