Kondwani Nankhumwa’s DPP camp threatens court action
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members that support Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa have threatened to drag the party to court if its president Peter Mutharika does not call for a convention by July this year.
The members made their views clear on the matter during a press briefing in Mzuzu Monday.
In attendance were parliamentarians Werani Chilenga, Julius Chione Mwase, Mungasulwa Mwambande and Raymond Nkhata who were flanked by other party members.
A prominent DPP member in the Northern Region, Kenneth Sanga, said the party should hold the convention in July this year as stipulated in their constitution.
“We are surprised that even before the convention, our Northern Region committee rushed to endorse Peter Mutharika for the party’s presidency. But we are saying a convention is the right place to elect torchbearers and not such endorsements.
“Of course we don’t want the courts to be running our party but if the president does not call for a convention in consultation with the Secretary General, we will seek guidance from the courts. It is important for the convention to take place because the mandate of all people who are holding positions now expires on July 2,” Sanga said.
Speaking on behalf of the legislaters, Chitipa South’s Chilenga said it is unfortunate that some DPP members in the North make decisions on behalf of others, describing such tendencies as undemocratic.
Chilenga said the parliamentarians will support the court intervention if the party decides to remain silent on the convention issue.
“The fact is: come July, we are going to make sure that the party’s laws have been followed,” Chilenga said.
However, speaking separately, DPP Regional Governor for the North Christopher Mzomera Ngwira described the members as disgruntled followers who have no power to speak for the party in the region.
“These people have shown rudeness. They are disgruntled and cannot be taken seriously. Our endorsement for Peter Mutharika was made after consultations with all members including those who are in my committee,” Ngwira said.
Mutharika’s spokesperson Shadreck Namalomba also said what the members have done is tantamount to indiscipline.
“These are people dressed as DPP members and masquerading as such. What they have done is total indiscipline and I cannot be responding to their tantrums,” Namalomba said.
Political analyst George Phiri recently said the continued squabbles are an indication that it is too late for the former ruling party to unite.
