Kondwani Nankhumwa, a prominent figure within Malawi’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has recently suggested that he intends to run for the presidency in the upcoming 2025 elections. Addressing his supporters in Malabada, Ndirande, Blantyre, Nankhumwa expressed his determination to contest for the highest office in the country.
During a gathering following a church service, Nankhumwa confidently declared, “I can assure you that I will be on the ballot paper,” signaling his firm commitment to participate in the presidential race.
Nankhumwa’s announcement follows his dismissal from the DPP, alongside other key figures such as Grezelder Jeffrey, Nicholas Dausi, and Cecelia Chazama, after being accused of gross indiscipline by the party. The rift between Nankhumwa and the DPP emerged when he openly expressed his intention to challenge party president Peter Mutharika for the leadership position during a convention, leading to his expulsion from the party.
The repercussions of Nankhumwa’s departure from the DPP were on full display in Ndirande, as his loyal supporters protested by tearing and burning DPP regalia as a manifestation of their displeasure over his expulsion. Amidst the fervor, they vocalized their allegiance to Nankhumwa, casting uncertainty on their future within the party.
Significantly, Alice Lita, the deputy campaign director in the DPP, voiced her support for Nankhumwa, reinforcing the message that she and others would stand by him in his political pursuits, irrespective of the direction he chooses.
Nankhumwa’s bold assertion and the subsequent reactions underscore the mounting tensions within the DPP and the latent political realignments taking shape within Malawi’s political landscape. As the country anticipates the 2025 elections, Nankhumwa’s declaration sets the stage for a captivating and potentially transformative political contest, reshaping the trajectory of Malawi’s future leadership.
