Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s most influential member of Parliament in the Northern Region, Werani Chilenga, has joined other concerned party followers in denouncing the endorsement of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as DPP torchbearer in the 2025 presidential election.

Chilenga – who represents the people of Chitipa South in the National Assembly – dismissed reports that the party in the Northern Region had endorsed Mutharika as their presidential candidate.

He made the sentiments at a press briefing held on Thursday. The presser was chaired by the DPP National Governing Council senior member Ken Msonda.

The media interface follows an announcement by DPP vice president for the Northern Region, Goodall Gondwe, and the reinstated Regional Governor Christopher Mzomera Ngwira that the region would rally behind the candidacy of APM in the next presidential poll.

Gondwe and Ngwira claimed that the party members had been consulted and made the endorsement.

But addressing journalists on Thursday, the party’s Director of Research, Ken Msonda, said whatever Gondwe and Ngwira was a lie, insisting that the party was not consulted.

From left to right MP Werani Chilenga Ken Msonda and others refuting reports of APM endorsement in the North — From left to right, MP Werani Chilenga, Ken Msonda, and others refuting reports of APM endorsement in the North

Msonda was, however, quick to point out that Mutharika had the right to stand as it is his right to do so and compete with other candidates interested in the seat.

“The party is democratic and opens doors for everyone to take part in the presidential elections. But it’s not true that party members in the Northern Region had endorsed APM for the presidential candidacy for the next elections,” he said.

Commenting on the matter, Chilenga said he was disappointed with the way Gondwe and Ngwira were handling the issue, fearing some members of the party are taking matters into their own hands without consulting the board.

“As a party, we need to uphold the principles of democracy and inclusivity,” he said.

The endorsement of Mutharika for the 2025 elections has caused further divisions within the party, with some members refuting the endorsement and calling for unity and adherence to democratic principles.

The situation is expected to evolve as the party navigates its internal dynamics leading up to the 2025 general elections.