The Congress of the People’s presidential candidate Mvhume Dandala says the party’s president Mosioua Lekota has assured him he never opposed his nomination.

Speculation that Lekota was opposed to Dandala’s appointment despite publicly endorsing him has continued.

The former bishop and leader of the South African Council of Churches was officially confirmed as the face of the party on Monday heading into the elections.

He says while he understands there was robust debate within the executive about his appointment, Lekota personally assured him he did not oppose his election.

"He has personally come to me, affirmed me and these were his words. 'I have never stood against your name at any stage.' These were his words, and he said what I wanted was to be sure that the processes of Cope have been followed to the end," said Dandala.

Eyewitness News