The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has told members who are no longer happy with the party to leave and form their own parties rather than challenge President Peter Mutharika from within.
Speaking at a rally in Bvumbwe, Thyolo, on Saturday, DPP Southern Region governor Charles Mchacha said the region had closed ranks behind Mutharika and would not allow anyone to undermine the party.
Mchacha accused some people of being “traitors” who were bent on destroying the DPP, saying those who no longer supported the party should find another political home.
“Anyone who is tired of the DPP should leave the party. They should go and join another party or form their own party,” said Mchacha.
He said the Southern Region had made its position clear and would continue working for Mutharika and the DPP.
“We do not want to see anyone coming here trying to cause trouble. We will deal with them. This is the time for Mkulukutamoyo, this is the time for the DPP,” he said.
Mchacha’s remarks come as DPP officials continue to rally support around Mutharika and defend his administration against criticism.
Mutharika’s advisor on women, Bertha Nachuma, also defended the President, questioning why some people were speaking against him when, in her view, maize availability had improved compared with the period when the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) was in government.
Nachuma accused some of those criticizing Mutharika on radio stations of having been comfortable at home while other Malawians struggled with hunger during the previous administration.
She said Mutharika should be given more time, arguing that his administration had been in power for only one year.
“Mutharika has just ruled only one year. So someone should come to talk no sense? No. Let Professor Peter Mutharika finish his five-year term,” said Nachuma.
The remarks come amid rumours of leadership wrangles within the ruling party, with rival camps reportedly emerging.
