The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is set to remove Kondwani Nankhumwa as Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Parliament following his expulsion from the party.
On Saturday, DPP Central Committee expelled Nankhumwa, Zomba Chisi legislator Mark Botomani, former secretary general Grelzeder Jeffrey, former director of women Cecelia Chazama, publicity secretary Nicholas Dausi, Joe Thomas Nyirongo, and Ken Msonda among others on disciplinary grounds.
The party’s spokesperson Shadric Namalomba told the media that they are going to fill the LoP position as well as that of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament chairperson which was held by Botomani, as they are no longer DPP members.
“These are consequential matters. No one can become Leader of Opposition [LoP] currently without endorsement from the DPP and Nankhumwa is not a DPP member.
“That means he ceases to be the LoP. So too is Botomani at PAC. A non-member of the DPP cannot be enjoying the benefits of members,” Namalomba told The Nation Newspaper
The 11 were accused of undermining Mutharika’s authority and disrespecting party leadership contrary to Article 6 of the DPP constitution for calling, leading and attending the December 6 2023 nullified national governing council (NGC) meeting in Lilongwe.
The party has also suspended 11 other officials for nine months from their NGC positions. They are national director of elections Henry Matemba, his deputy Joseph Mabvuto Kachali and deputy national director of elections (North) Kondwani Ng’ong’ola and deputy national organising secretary (Centre), Shafee Khamisa.
Others are Brave Mkwezalamba, Marriam Chimbalanga, Dumisani Lindani, Baxter Kita, and Lameck Rajab Malimba.
The party’s former vice-president (Centre) Uladi Mussa has been suspended for nine months while Mangochi Monkey Bay legislator Ralph Jooma has been removed from the position of national director of economic affairs in the NGC.
