Mixed Reactions Over Mutharika’s Endorsement

BY DRAXON MALOYA

Some Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials have condemned some party members who have started going about endorsing candidates to lead the party in readiness for the 2025 presidential election.

The condemnation comes in the wake of a DPP regional conference which was held over the weekend in Mzuzu where delegates endorsed the party president, Peter Mutharika as their torchbearer.

Director of operations in the party, Joe Thomas Nyirongo said the endorsement would follow after the National Governing Council (NGC) meeting which will also provide a clear roadmap to the party convention next year.

Addressing the media on Monday, Nyirongo said firsly the party needs to be united at all levels and not create divisions and confusion championed by some MCP agents aimed at weakening the party.

“The NGC should come out with a clear roadmap to the convention then let the grass-roots start giving out names of candidates of their choice to lead them to the 2025 presidential election,” Nyìrongo said.

However, Nyirongo branded those propelling Mutharika’s endorsement at the moment as political opportunists who simply wants to lead the party behind his back.

On assertions that the party’s regional governor for the north Mzomera Ngwira should be sidelined for his conviction two years ago, Nyirongo said that it is unconstitutional because it is only the NGC which has the mandate to decide on his fate.

Nyirongo further stressed that the DPP manifesto needs to be amended at the convention so as to suit the current political environment considering that some loyal party members are persecute for standing fìrm for the party.

In a telephone interview, the embattled Ngwira refused to comment on either the endorsement or the issue to do with his office which is still being held by Akim Mwanza.

“I don’t want to comment on any issue until the National Governing Council gives me direction,” Ngwira said.