Malawi MP Nankhumwa Launches New Party, Quits Opposition Role
Nankhumwa, who has been at loggerheads with the DPP leadership, did not provide further details about the new party's policies or leadership structure.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— Malawi's embattled Member of Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa has formed a new political party, the People's Development Party (PDP), and relinquished his position as the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Nankhumwa, the former MP for Mulanje Central, announced the launch of the PDP on Thursday in Blantyre, saying the party is built on the principles of "food security, unity and hard work."
"I have stepped down as the Opposition Leader in Parliament following my association with the PDP," Nankhumwa told reporters.
He said he has instructed his lawyer to withdraw all cases filed against his former party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
"The newly formed PDP has no seat in Parliament, hence I cannot remain as the Leader of Opposition," Nankhumwa explained.
His move comes amid an ongoing dispute with the DPP, which has fired Nicholas Dausi from the party with immediate effect, according to local journalist Cornelius Lupenga.
Nankhumwa, who has been at loggerheads with the DPP leadership, did not provide further details about the new party's policies or leadership structure.
His resignation as Opposition Leader is expected to trigger a shake-up in Parliament's opposition ranks.
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