Along with Kwelagobe, Mogae has also brought in Communications, Science and Technology minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi. The Serowe South legislator is known to be sympathetic to the Kedikilwe-Kwelagobe side but also loyal to party Chairman and Vice President Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
Others include Isaac Seloko, Moshupa councillor Ponatshego Tshiping and councillor Ntshadi Dlodlo from Tati East. The trio are believed to be in the Nkate-Merafhe camp.
Earlier when he announced that he would not stand as party secretary general, Kwelagobe indicated that he was however available for elections as a duly elected additional member of the central committee. But things took a new twist during the nominations when he declined a nomination for him to enter the race. It is understood Kwelagobe was alerted that the voting was being done along factional lines. Informed sources claimed yesterday that Kwelagobe outwitted a ploy by the rival camp that wanted him to lose the polls. It is further alleged that contrary to claims that factionalism within the BDP had receded, the Nkate-Merafhe faction has never disbanded.
Asked about his withdrawal on the eve of the elections, Kwelagobe maintained that his time was up. "I have served the party and I refused the nomination because I want to rest," he said.
