As for Kondwani Nankhumwa, formerly the Vice President for the Southern Region and Leader of the Opposition (LoP), it is a total political banishment, probably his end politically. For starters, the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), in a sweeping action on Saturday, not only dismissed him but also expelled several officials associated with him, including the former Secretary General and Central Region Vice President Grezelder Jeffrey, former Publicity Secretary Nicholas Dausi, former Political Director Mark Botoman, and former Presidential Adviser Cecilia Chazama. This drastic move follows a disciplinary hearing, investigating various alleged misconducts by the officials.
The repercussions for Nankhumwa are particularly grave, extending beyond mere dismissal. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) now sets its sights on stripping him of the position of Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. This position carries significant prestige, along with both financial and political advantages. As per parliamentary protocol, the dismissal of these officials, who also serve as Members of Parliament (MPs), necessitates the party to approach the Speaker of Parliament for the reassignment of these affected MPs to new seats in the House.
These seats, however, must be situated apart from those designated for the DPP, the largest opposition party in the country. Shadric Namalomba, the spokesperson for the DPP, revealed that the party is committed to ensuring that the Leader of Opposition position is assumed by an individual recognized and endorsed by the party leader.
