Leader of Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nakhumwa, who is also Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-president (South), has given President Lazarus Chakwera 14 days to find solutions to the current economic challenges facing Malawians.

Addressing a rally at Mgona ground in Lilongwe on Sunday, Nankhumwa called on the President to “suspend his crop inspection tours and work in his office” to find solutions to hardships that Malawians are currently going through.

From L-R: Dausi, Jeffrey, Nankhumwa and his wife Gertrude during the rally on Sunday

He said: “Everyone is suffering in this country and the President has no remorse at all to side with Malawians. Instead, he is busy draining the little public resources travelling every day doing crop inspection, including external travels.”

Nankhumwa warned of unspecified action if Chakwera fails to heed advice to correct the economic situation.

The DPP vice-president bemoaned the rising prices of goods and services which he said is largely affecting Malawians. He further endorsed recently issued pastoral letters by the Catholic Church and Nkhoma CCAP Synod, saying they represent the real situation on the ground.

On party politics, Nankhumwa said he respects Peter Mutharika as the DPP party leader. He vowed not to leave the party and trashed social media reports that he is forming a new political party.

Representing legislators and supporters from the Northern Region, Chitipa South lawmaker Werani Chilenga said Nankhumwa followers have agreed to support him in his DPP presidential bid at the scheduled convention.

He asked bonafide members of DPP to come out now and be counted, saying those in hiding to protect their current positions in the party will suffer consequences during the convention.

Other speakers included DPP legislator for Mangochi Monkey-Bay Ralph Jooma and Mwanza central DPP member of Parliament Nicholas Dausi who both said despite disagreements in the party, all warring factions remain DPP and under Mutharika as their party’s father.

DPP secretary general Gelzeder Jeffrey said she is committed to work with all party’s presidential aspirants in the campaign for the party presidency.

But in his remark, politician Ken Msonda told the DPP to foregt bouncing back to power in 2025 if they continue with their infighting.

The rally on Sunday followed another on Saturday at the same venue where the DPP Central Region executive committee disowned Nankhumwa.

Led by the party’s vice-president (Centre) Zeria Chakale, the committee told party’s supporters that Saturday’s DPP rally was the only ligitimate meeting endorsed by the party.

“DPP rallies are only organised through the office of Chimwemwe Chipungu who is the DPP national organising secretary.

“So, don’t believe anyone who comes here after us. That is not DPP but a disgruntled group of people who are bringing confusion in the party,” said Chakale.

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