Stefanus Nashama
A former member of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), Michael Amushelelo, has joined the Landless People’s Movement (LPM).
LPM communication coordinator, William Minnie confirmed the news on Thursday.
“I can confirm that Saddam Michael Amushelelo has officially joined the Landless People’s Movement today. He has received his membership card,” he said.
Amushelelo was received by the party’s chief whip, Utaara Mootu, the deputy operative secretary, Edward Haingoro, and the national event’s coordinator, Ivan Skrywer.
“I would like to make it categorically that the party I have joined is none other than the Landless People’s Movement. From now on, I am a member of LPM, and I am excited to join them,” said Amushelelo.
He claimed that LPM’s active efforts to combat injustice, end landlessness, and promote economic emancipation inspired his decision.
“This is the party I will vote for, and I am more than happy to go to a party where I see there is transparency. Old political parties are just there to serve their stomachs. We cannot continue to do things the same way because it is about what we should do for our people,” he stressed.
Amushelelo resigned from the NEFF in June after the party was deregistered by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) for failing to submit audited financial records and publish them in local newspapers.
According to Amushelelo, he would not have left NEFF if it were not for its deregistration, which is non-compliance.
“I would not have left the NEFF before its deregistration. The deregistration was non-compliance with the ECN law. I was not exposed to this, and I was not part of the people who dealt with the audition of the papers. So I have to move where there is transparency,” Amushelelo explained.
He stated that joining LPM would not change him, and he would continue with his political activism.
“Nothing has changed; it is just a change of vehicle. I will still be the same person and continue doing exactly what I do. Each part has its own culture and I will adapt to the culture of LPM. But I am not going to change my activism,” he said.
Amushelelo dismissed public opinion that he joined small parties to secure a seat in Parliament.
“You cannot expect me to blast the government at all times. It is about serving the people. If people want me to be in parliament, I can go. It must be the wishes and will of the people for me to go into Parliament,” he said.
He further said the opinion of the people does not matter because, at the end of the day, it is about doing what is right.
He urged the nation to transcend tribal lines in politics.
Amushelelo insisted that he would not return to NEFF, regardless of its registration with the ECN.
“I am a man of principle. I am not going back to NEFF, even if it reregisters. I will not compromise my decision; I have to move. I will support anyone against the current government. I wish NEFF all the best,” he said.
Political analyst Sakaria Johannes said that ideologically, Amushelelo is still in line with what he stood for because LPM has been a radical party.
“I am not shocked because he just moved from a radical party to a radical party. All in all, Amushelelo still stands his ground. He is going to take his supporters to LPM as well, but he might lose some due to his new move,” Johannes said.
