MDC Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa says the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is a professional and patriotic national body, which is unlikely to block him from assuming the Presidency if he wins the forthcoming elections.

Addressing a rally at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda on Friday, Mr Chamisa told supporters he believes that the army prioritises the interests of the people.

Mr Chamisa’s assertions puts paid to claims by some Zanu PF and government officials who said the country’s defence forces would not allow the 40-year-old to takeover if he wins  2018 elections at the expense of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Mukupe said if I win, the army won’t allow me to rule, he said they will stop me from ruling. This will not happen because soldiers are patriotic and professional. They don’t serve an individual, but they follow the will of the people and therefore they will support the will of the people because it’s the people who would have elected me,” he said.