Once a promising figure in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Kondwani Nankhumwa’s political trajectory has now taken an abrupt nosedive following the dismissal by Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Justice Dorothy Nya Kaunda of an application lodged by him and two other DPP senior officials—Griezelder Jeffrey, and Cecilia Chazama. Their legal bid sought interim relief against President Peter Mutharika’s decisions, made during a national governing council meeting in December of the preceding year, which reassigned them within the party.
Justice Nyakaunda unequivocally rejected the application, accompanied by the imposition of costs. The ramifications are profound: Nankhumwa now faces disciplinary proceedings within the party, with potential expulsion looming large. The probable outcome extends to his forfeiture of the position as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. The prospect of Nankhumwa staging a political comeback after this court loss appears bleak. Unless he opts to forge an independent political path, forming his own party, that might be a viable recourse. Nevertheless, regarding his DPP presidential aspirations, it seems those ambitions will be relegated to the annals of history, as the Madala faction led by Peter Mutharika has outmaneuvered him in this political chess game.
