Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has made significant gains following the decision by former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary General Grezelder Jeffrey, Dr. Hetherwick Ntaba, and musician Skeffa Chimoto, among others from the Eastern Region, to join the ruling party.
The announcement was made during a mass rally held at Area 24’s Community Ground in Lilongwe on Sunday.
The entry of the five political heavyweights was met with jubilation and cheers as they were welcomed one by one to the governing MCP fold.
Speaking after being welcomed, the former DPP Secretary General described her political journey to marriage, stating that it has ended, and she has now returned to her “father.”
“I was married and then the marriage ended, and now I have decided to return to my father. However, I have not come alone to Malawi Congress Party; I have brought children, nephews, and nieces who are ready to work and be welcomed,” said Jeffrey.
She also expressed her disappointment with the DPP’s failure to renovate Nkhotakota road despite multiple reminders, adding that she is pleased that MCP is actively constructing the Lakeshore Road.
Former DPP Regional Governor for the Eastern Region, Sheikh Imran Mtenje, explained that his decision to join MCP was influenced by President Lazarus Chakwera’s positive actions, particularly citing the discontinuation of the case against Bakili Muluzi, the pardon of Uladi Mussa, and other developmental projects in the Eastern Region.
Another notable figure unveiled at the rally, Dr. Hetherwick Ntaba, remarked that while the media might report that he had joined MCP, the reality was that he had simply returned to where he belongs.
“I know the media will write that I have joined MCP, but that will not be a true reflection; the truth is that I have come back home,” said Ntaba, who entertained the crowd by imitating the way MCP’s Father and Founder Dr. Kamuzu Banda used to speak.
He promised to serve the President with honour and diligence, noting that, at his age, he had seen a lot and was now satisfied with the direction the country was taking under Chakwera’s leadership.
Among other people welcomed to the party were Skeffa Chimoto and Chimwemwe Maunde, Secretary for Citizens for Transformation (CFT).
MCP’s Secretary General Richard Chimwendo-Banda, hailed the move as a sign of Chakwera’s good leadership, stating that it will send shivers to the opposition.
He condemned the use of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima’s death for political gains.
“God will deal with those who are politicizing the late Chilima’s death. President Chakwera and Chilima had a good relationship, and there had been no problems between them,” he said.
Banda confidently declared that the DPP would never return to power, emphasizing that MCP has achieved significant development across the country, which the previous government failed to accomplish.
He highlighted President Chakwera’s introduction of non-collateral NEEF loans amounting to K1 million to help Malawians buy fertilizer as an example of some developments.
Chimwendo Banda blamed the opposition for trying to exploit the current challenges for political gain, saying there is no country without problems citing America.