DPP reiterates Mutharika as unquestioned leader in party’s coalition talks

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has firmly reiterated that Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika will lead any electoral alliance the party participates in, dismissing speculation and rumors about alternative leadership within potential coalitions.

Recently, the party announced through its Secretary General Peter Mukhito that the party is ready to enter into alliance negotiations ahead of the 16 September 2025 general elections.

In a statement, Shadric Namalomba, the party’s Presidential Spokesperson and National Publicity Secretary, emphasized that Mutharika remains the DPP’s undisputed leader, whether the party is in an alliance or contesting independently.

“Let me make it crystal clear: Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika will remain the presidential candidate of the DPP, regardless of any alliances or discussions that may take place. No individual, and certainly no rumor, will change that fact. He is the leader of our party, and any alliance we find ourselves in will be led by him,” Namalomba stated.

The party has also dismissed recent rumors questioning Mutharika’s health, which have circulated in political circles describing them as entirely false and without foundation.

The DPP further pointed to a persistent effort by certain individuals, who had previously supported the controversial Age Limit Bill aimed at preventing Mutharika from running for a third term.

“It is clear that the same individuals who are now spreading these malicious rumors were among those who championed the Age Limit Bill, an attempt to block our leader from contesting. Their continued efforts to derail the DPP are not new, and they will not succeed,” Namalomba stressed.

Additionally, the DPP reaffirmed that the decision regarding the running mate for Professor Mutharika will remain solely within his discretion.

Meanwhile, the party has called on its supporters to disregard the misinformation and remain focused on the DPP’s mission for the country.