In a dramatic twist ahead of the highly anticipated September general elections, a leaked conversation has revealed that three Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice presidents are plotting to remove former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) as the party’s presidential candidate.
According to the confidential exchange leaked from within the DPP’s Central Executive Committee, Hon. Japie Mhango (Vice President for the North), Hon. Bright Msaka (Vice President for the East), and Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha (Vice President for the South) have been strategizing to convince the party to endorse a younger and more “electable” candidate.
The trio reportedly cited Mutharika’s advanced age and perceived disconnect with the youthful voter base as key reasons for the push. “We need someone energetic and forward-looking to lead us to victory. APM’s time has passed,” read part of the leaked communication.
The internal campaign is said to be gaining traction among some members of the National Governing Council (NGC), especially amid growing concerns that Mutharika’s candidacy could weaken the party’s chances in the face of a rejuvenated opposition.
This development threatens to deepen internal divisions within the former ruling party, just months before Malawians head to the polls.
Concerned DPP youths recently wrote a scathing letter to Mutharika calling the ageing former Head of State to immediately resign from active party leadership.
Norma “Pythius Hiwa” Chisale, bodyguard and close ally to Mutharika, has been clandestinely pushing for the old man’s come back and to contest as a presidential candidate during the forthcoming September elections.
In the bold open letter, the concerned DPP youths urged Mutharika to allow for a generational transition within the party.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of growing internal debates and factional alignments within the DPP. While some party members have openly called for generational change, others — including influential figures like Chisale and a faction of loyalists including Secretary General Peter Mukhito, former First Lady Gertrude Mutharika and Vice President for the Central Region—have been pushing Mutharika to contest the 2025 presidential race, despite his advanced age.
Mutharika is said to be 86-years-old although many believe that he might be more than 90-years-old.
Chisale is said to be one of the key architects behind the campaign banking on his established name and loyal following within the party. This push has divided the party, with some viewing it as a move to maintain influence through an ageing leadership, while others argue it undermines opportunities for fresh, visionary leaders to emerge.
Others believe that with a number of cases hanging over his head, Chisale is using Mutharika to ensure a win that will lead to him having the court cases dropped thereby evading justice. Chisale’s charges include fraud and money laundering linked to the K5 billion cement importation scandal. Despite overwhelming evidence, the case has experienced numerous delays, and Chisale remains out on bail while assets worth K1.7 billion are under forfeiture proceedings.
Charles Mchacha another DPP senior member recently also questioned why some people were pushing for Mutharika to stand again arguing that it seems those doing so have some clandestine motives and not doing it out of love of the country and the DPP.
