Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) leader, Panduleni Itula’s strategy to operate as the leader of the official opposition from outside the Parliament chambers has sparked a debate among political analysts. 
Speaking to Confidente recently, Political scientist Rui Tyitende expressed concern that the lack of intellectual diversity among IPC parliamentarians could result in a lack of meaningful challenge to Itula’s policies. 
“If you look at the current list of IPC MP’s, who do you think has the intellectual fortitude to challenge Itula on policy issues?” Tyitende questioned “They will all be remote-controlled from his house, that is the unfortunate reality,” he added.
Itula, along with key party figures such as Vice-President Trevino Forbes and National General Secretary Christine !Aochamus, does not appear on the parliamentary list, which contrasts with the approach of other political parties. 
In most cases, party presidents and top leaders typically occupy prominent positions on the list, allowing them to take up parliamentary seats.
This divergence in strategy has raised questions about the future direction of the IPC (as an official opposition) and the effectiveness of operating outside the legislative framework.

STATE PRESIDENCY OR NOTHING

According to Tyitende, Itula’s political ambitions have been shaped by a belief that he is destined to become the state president, rather than seeking a parliamentary seat. 
According to Tyitende, Itula has always viewed his political trajectory as a straight path to the presidency since 2019, rejecting the need to serve on a parliamentary list. 
“For Itula, it is the state presidency or nothing—there are no in-betweens,” he remarked.
Tyitende also highlighted Itula’s interpretation of the Namibian Constitution, which he believes prohibits a candidate from running for both the presidency and a parliamentary seat simultaneously. This, he argues, has led to a fundamental misunderstanding of Namibia’s political structure and the practical realities of its governance.
Tyitende further suggested that Itula’s ideological disconnect could lead to a concentration of power within the IPC, with little room for dissent or alternative viewpoints.
“Unfortunately, he has been living in a world of ideology regarding our body politic,” said Tyitende. 
He pointed out that, based on the dynamics at the City of Windhoek (CoW), whoever is appointed as the official leader of the opposition will likely be expected to report directly to Itula, from his residence in Katutura.

ADVANTAGEOUS?

On the other hand, political analyst Sakaria Johannes argued that Itula’s strategy will be beneficial for him and his party, the IPC.
Johannes emphasised that Itula would have more time to observe the performance of his parliamentary representatives.
This, he said, would ensure them to fulfil their duties as expected.
Johannes believes this setup would allow Itula to conduct research and plan more strategically, enabling him to implement new and effective approaches for the IPC.
“Shifting from the traditional model, where party leaders are in Parliament, reflects a broader change in political expectations,” he stressed.
Johannes argued that it is not necessary for all political leaders to be in Parliament. He added that for the IPC, the approach could prove advantageous.

NO TO DUAL CANDIDACY

The IPC’s stance is that it would be unconstitutional for its president to run for both the office of the presidency and a seat in Parliament, simultaneously.
This development raises questions about how the IPC will function as the official opposition without its leader in the National Assembly. 
An internal source said the implications of Itula’s absence from Parliament could affect the party’s strategies and its ability to influence legislative processes moving forward.
When asked about whether he would assume the role of the official opposition leader in the National Assembly, Itula declined to comment directly. 
Instead, he referred inquiries to the relevant provisions of Namibian law, stating, 
“Please, make reference to the relevant provisions of the Republican Laws,” he stated.
He emphasized that IPC had properly registered the party leadership and the parliamentary list according to the established legal framework.
Itula pointed out that IPC had submitted the parliamentary list through the party’s authorized person, usually the National General Secretary, and complied with the necessary regulations. 
He highlighted the clarity of Schedule 4(4) of the Namibian Constitution, Section 77(3) of the Electoral Act, and the IPC Constitution.
IPC spokesperson, Immanuel Nashinge, on Wednesday confirmed that all individuals elected to Parliament will proceed as planned. He stated that the Gazetted list is final and cannot be altered. 
“You cannot change the Gazetted list. Therefore, everything remains the same as per official list,” Nashinge emphasized.
The party has reinforced the belief that dual candidacy violates constitutional guidelines. According to the Namibian Constitution, the leader of the official opposition is defined as the individual occupying the position of the leader of the largest opposition party in the National Assembly.