DPP North dead—cadets

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cadets, who were suspended for humiliating Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe and Deputy Minister of Defence Jappie Mhango, have stood their ground to say the party is dead in the North and there is need for new leadership to reclaim its lost glory.

The cadets have since issued a statement demanding change of leadership in the region. In the statement issued on Tuesday, they are calling for the removal of DPP regional governor Kenneth Sanga, director of youth Kelvin Chirambo and other regional committee members.

They have also said they cannot be intimidated by suspension, adding they will continue conducting activities in the name of the party as they are bona fide DPP members. The cadets regard their suspension as obstruction of calls for change of leadership, which they say is undemocratic.

The cadets said the party is dead in the North, but leaders keep lying to President Peter Mutharika that all is well just to protect their positions.

Said Sanga: “The cadets should have shown remorse after being suspended for humiliating Gondwe and Mhango. It is unfortunate they are still arrogant when the party expects them to change.”

DPP secretary general Eckleni Kudontoni said the cadets might have genuine concerns, but they are arrogant. He said the party cannot condone cadets insulting its vice- president Gondwe and other senior leaders.

He trashed claims that the party is dead in the North, saying it has a large number of followers and is active. He said the cadets could be under the influence of some ill mannered people.