By Durell Namasani
Blantyre, Malawi– Tensions within the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have escalated after senior member Leonard Chimbanga publicly dismissed Secretary General Peter Mukhito’s suggestion that the party must form an alliance to win the upcoming September general elections.
In a fiery Facebook post, Chimbanga, known for his outspoken stance, rejected Mukhito’s claims, insisting that the DPP and its leader, former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM), can secure victory outright.
Chimbanga’s Defiance
Chimbanga argued that Mutharika remains the best candidate to lead Malawi, dismissing any doubts about his capability or health. *”I have always believed in His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika. He is capable and in robust health—I have never seen anyone of that age in such good condition,”* he wrote.
Citing an Afrobarometer survey that previously gave the DPP a 43% chance of winning, Chimbanga claimed that the party’s popularity has since grown due to the current economic crisis. *”With the recent devaluation and economic collapse, I am convinced APM should now be scoring 52%. No one can tell me the DPP can’t win without an alliance—that’s a BIG LIE,”* he declared.
He further warned party members lacking confidence in Mutharika’s candidacy to *”excuse themselves,”* emphasizing his commitment to securing a second term for the former president.
Rumours of Division
The statement exposes deepening rifts within the DPP over Mutharika’s candidacy and potential alliances. Speculation is rife that some party officials are pushing for a coalition, particularly with the UTM Party, whose deputy president, Dalitso Kabambe, is Mutharika’s relative and hails from Thyolo—a DPP stronghold.
However, Chimbanga’s remarks suggest strong resistance to any power-sharing arrangement, especially if framed as a necessity rather than a strategic choice.
Political Fallout
Analysts warn that the public clash between senior members could weaken the DPP’s cohesion ahead of the elections. While Mukhito’s alliance proposal may be a pragmatic move, Chimbanga’s defiance reflects a faction that believes the party can—and must—win alone.
As internal debates rage, the DPP risks appearing divided, potentially undermining its challenge against the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). With just months before the polls, the party must quickly reconcile these differences or risk a fractured campaign.
