In a bombshell announcement that rocked the political landscape, Kondwani Nankhumwa, the interim President of the newly registered People’s Development Party (PDP), stunned the nation yesterday by dramatically stepping down from his prestigious role as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
Speaking at a high-octane press briefing in Blantyre, the Mulanje Central lawmaker revealed that his devotion to the PDP cause was simply too intense to juggle alongside his duties in Parliament. With the political arena ablaze with speculation, Nankhumwa’s decision has sent shockwaves within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), leaving many wondering what seismic shifts lie ahead for both him and his burgeoning party.
Said Nankhumwa: “Therefore, I hereby announce my decision to relinquish my position as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. I resign, I do not get fired.
“However, as the legal matters concerning my position are still pending in court, I have instructed my lawyers to initiate proceedings to withdraw this case, including other two related cases currently in the High Court.
In heralding the birth of the PDP, he asserted that his political entity, boasting seven distinct administrative regions—Southern, Shire Valley, Eastern, Central, Lakeshore, Northern, and Misuku—would vehemently reject individuals who resort to hurling insults at leaders of rival parties. Nankhumwa emphasized that the PDP upholds stringent principles that condemn any form of disrespect towards opposing party figures or their supporters, vowing instead to promote a culture of constructive dialogue, robust discourse, and unwavering mutual regard, among other pillars of civil engagement.
He said: “To this end, let me emphasise that individuals who express desire to join the People’s Development Party, but engage in insulting behaviour towards Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, State President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and other leaders have no place in this party.”
