Controversial Zanu PF-linked cleric Obadiah Msindo has claimed that opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa lost a golden opportunity to push for electoral reforms for the 2023 general elections when he spurned President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offer to appoint him the official opposition leader in Parliament.

Speaking on the sidelines of Olinda Marowa’s album launch that was graced by popular South African singer Deborah Fraser in Harare on Friday, Msindo also challenged Chamisa to find ways of engaging with Mnangagwa without resorting to violence.

Msindo’s Destiny for Africa Network funded the album launch, as part of his campaign to promote peace and unity in the country.

“Chamisa committed political suicide when he refused to accept President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offer of being the official opposition leader,” Msindo said.

“Chamisa should have embraced the position and force Mnangagwa to compromise on electoral reforms ahead of 2023 polls. Chamisa should have been pushing in Parliament for the reforms and we could not been having these protests that are resulting in loss of lives.”

Msindo said Chamisa must consider the plight and suffering of Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation and peacefully engage with Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa in January last year proposed to adopt the Commonwealth system and establish the office of the official opposition leader.