Itula shrugs off IPC division claims

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president, Panduleni Itula, has dismissed claims of division within the party as false, misleading and malicious.

Reports from the Windhoek Observer on Monday suggested a power struggle between Itula and IPC parliamentarian Imms Nashinge, who serves as leader of the official opposition in the National Assembly.

Speaking to Desert FM yesterday, Itula said the media reports amounted to a deliberate distortion of the party’s structure and decision-making processes, and accused the publication of unethical journalism.

“It is a malicious fabrication aimed at undermining the legally recognised leadership of the IPC and confusing the electorate,” Itula said.

“Our right to exist as a political party cannot be subjected to the feelings, affiliations or agendas of anyone in the media.”

Itula rejected claims that the party operates under competing centres of power, insisting that the IPC’s leadership structure is clearly defined and constitutionally grounded.

He stressed that the IPC is a registered political party under section 135 of the Electoral Act of 2014 and operates within Namibia’s constitutional framework.

“IPC is not some sort of club. It is a properly constituted political party participating in the political activities of Namibia,” he said.

He explained that while members of parliament (MPs) are responsible for legislative work, overall political leadership of the party remains with the president, and parliamentary operations are managed through internal party structures.

Itula said he had appointed Nashinge to lead the party’s work inside parliament after a merit-based assessment.

“Why would I appoint somebody if I had not carefully looked at their abilities to serve the party?” he asked.

Itula said the IPC’s national general secretary serves as chairperson of the party’s parliamentary caucus, a role he described as equivalent to a “shadow prime minister”, and that MPs report through this structure.

“I only get involved when there are matters that require the president’s input,” he said.
Itula clarified that Nashinge’s authority is limited to parliamentary matters, while broader political and strategic decisions remain with party headquarters.

“If there is a parliamentary outing or workshop, Nashinge leads in his capacity as parliamentary head,” Itula said.

“But decisions such as international delegations or party strategy are made by the party leadership.”

Addressing questions about leadership succession, Itula said he believes strongly in democratic transitions and preparing younger leaders to take over.

“I do not intend to carry on indefinitely,” he said. “Leadership must be handed over at the right time through democratic processes.”

He added that his decision not to take up a parliamentary seat was deliberate and strategic.

“By not going to parliament, I am preparing the ground for younger leaders to manage the party and the country in future,” he said.

Itula also raised concerns about journalistic practices, accusing some media houses of selectively quoting him and manufacturing narratives to sensationalise stories.

“That is yellow journalism,” he said. “Journalism should inform the public accurately, not coerce or mislead voters.”

He said journalists should verify information thoroughly, rather than publishing speculation and then seeking comment to legitimise it.

“Do not manufacture a story and then come to us to confirm or deny it,” he said. “That is unethical.”

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