Main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential aspirant Kondwani Nankhumwa said he is pleased with a step taken by the party’s President, Peter Mutharika, and ‘his supporters’ to finally acknowledge the necessity for the party to adhere to the court’s determination and call for an elective convention.
Nankhumwa, whose bloc called for an elective convention slated for tomorrow and Saturday, was reacting to Mutharika’s camp announcement that the national convention will be held on 26 and 27 December 2023.
“I am personally pleased that after persistent delays, the DPP President, His Excellency President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, and his supporters have finally acknowledged the necessity for the party to adhere to the court’s determination. It is crucial to hold an elective convention within the prescribed 90 days to elect torchbearers for various positions going forward.
“Additionally, I welcome APM and his supporters’ agreement on the importance of abiding by the party’s Constitution rather than introducing unfamiliar concepts as contained in the so-called functional review document,” said Nankhumwa in a statement released Thursday.
Further, Nankhumwa, who has been removed as the party’s Southern Region Vice President, said he is particularly relieved that Mutharika has openly declared his intention to stand as a presidential candidate at the National Convention.
He has been appointed as Mutharika’s advisor.
“His earlier silence on this matter was highly polarizing and posed a significant threat to dividing the party. In the same vein, I reiterate my commitment and resolve to compete against any candidate(s) vying for the position of President for DPP, including Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
“Now that APM has publicly engaged, I hope this marks the beginning of a healing process as we gear up for the 2025 elections. My plea is for the party to ensure a level playing field for all presidential candidates and those contesting for other positions at the National Convention. This will firmly entrench intra-party democracy within the DPP,” he said.
