Silvester Ayuba James, a lawyer and legislator, has publicly criticized Lazarus Chakwera, suggesting that if the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader intends to contest again, he should “undergo medical surgery to change his blood group” to one that would supposedly make him more decisive and energetic.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, Ayuba James—who is also an MCP member and serves as an independent Member of Parliament for Nkhotakota Central—said he refuses to be a “yes-man” and instead chooses to voice criticism where he believes it is warranted.
He argued that such a “surgery” would help Chakwera act with greater speed in decision-making and address what he described as hesitation in hiring and firing public officials.
Ayuba further criticized Chakwera’s speaking style, claiming that the President’s slow pace of speech reflects the way he processes decisions.
He described Chakwera’s leadership as lacking urgency and timeliness, alleging that he fails to intervene decisively in critical matters.
The legislator also claimed that Chakwera’s leadership challenges are deeply rooted and unlikely to change, asserting that effective leadership requires swift and courageous decision-making. He contrasted this with the approach of the current President Arthur Peter Mutharika, whom he described as more decisive.
Ayuba added that the MCP may need to consider a new candidate for the 2030 general elections.
However, members of the MCP National Executive Committee have reportedly endorsed Chakwera as the party’s torchbearer for a second term in the 2030 elections.
In the 16 September 2025 general elections, Mutharika defeated Chakwera by a significant margin, prompting Chakwera to concede defeat.
