Factions emerge in PP, Kamlepo appointed VP

Two regional structures have emerged in the People’s Party (PP), with both sides claiming to be the party’s legitimate structures in its Northern Province.

One of the structures is under the recently appointed acting provincial chairperson (North) Sherbone Mchizi and the other sympathises with fired provincial chairperson the Reverend Christopher Ngwira.

Both sides have members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), provincial committee leaders and members, and leaders and members at district level.

Speaking during a regional meeting on Tuesday, Mchizi said his office and the team under him were legitimate leaders and members in the province. He said members in the other camp can only be taken on board after serious scrutiny.

“I don’t have much problem with province members, but NEC members. There are some NEC members who are weevils and are promoting divisions in the party,” said Mchizi.

However, provincial secretary in the camp supporting Ngwira, Clive Nthakomwa, said the Mchizi camp has no powers to remove them from positions.

“People are the ones that choose leaders. We were chosen at a meeting at Marymount [Girls Secondary School]. We have structures under us in the districts. We are the genuine camp because we were chosen by people,” said Nthakomwa.

He added that his camp recognises former head of state Joyce Banda as president for the party and appointments that she has made, including that of Uladi Mussa as acting president and Kamlepo Kalua as third vice-president.

Meanwhile, Kalua said he will help in rebuilding the party and promoting unity in it, adding that he will also fight to promote intra-party democracy so that views regarding the welfare of the party are taken on board.