By Pemphero Malimba:
Aspiring member of Parliament for Ntcheu North West Constituency Everton Chimulirenji has dumped the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and joined another opposition party, UTM.
This comes barely a month after Chimulirenji announced plans to stand as an independent candidate in the September 16, 2025 Parliamentary Election.
This was after DPP nominated Jane Ansah as its candidate for the forthcoming elections.
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This happened shortly after Chimulirenji was declared winner in the party’s initial primary elections held in the area.
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Chimulirenji told The Daily Times Thursday that he had made the decision after consulting community leaders in his constituency.
“Sometimes, you are supposed to do what the majority wants. So, the decision to stand on an independent ticket was a right decision but considering consultations with the constituency leaders, who are the most important people, as they vote for me, I have decided to join UTM,” he said.
Chimulirenji said he intended to stand on UTM ticket in the September 16, 2025 Parliamentary Election.
“DPP is a party that I love so much and I have served well. After removing me as a winner during the primary elections, I felt that it was good to have peace of mind. As such, I decided to stand on an independent ticket.
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“However, this has also changed as I want to work with another party,” he said.
On his part, DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said the party could not comment much on someone who recently dumped the party by announcing plans to stand on an independent ticket.
“After the first primary election, Honourable Jane Ansah complained that the election was not conducted fairly. So, a special committee looked at the matter and directed that there should be fresh primaries.
“However, Mr Chimulirenji did not show up during the fresh elections while Ansah went there. The election was conducted and Jane Ansah was declared winner. Is it our problem that he didn’t give himself a chance? We gave him a chance,” he said.
UTM Spokesperson Felix Njawala said the move showed that the party was popular across the country.
“If, indeed, he is coming, it shows that the party is growing stronger on the ground. When people like him, who are conversant with the country’s politics, are joining, it becomes interesting and encouraging to us, people who are in UTM,” Njawala said.
He said the party would have to decide on whether to conduct primary elections in Ntcheu North West Constituency or not depending on whether there is already a UTM candidate in the area.
