Musician Lucius co-opted in UDF’s NEC

Lucius Banda, 42, a popular Malawian musician and politician, is back in the political fold after being roped into the UDF national executive committee (NEC), the party’s decision-making body.

Banda, who until August 2006 was an MP for Balaka North, welcomed the United Democratic Front (UDF) NEC decision, saying for the past one month, he has been contemplating of rejoining the party.

“It is an honour to me. I take it happily and I am humbled,” said Banda who lost his seat because he was convicted of having fake academic qualifications in 2006.

He was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment with hard labour, but was released in November 2006 after two appeals. 

Recently, Banda indicated that he had joined President Joyce Banda People’s Party (PP), but later reportedly withdrew his membership.

“I had verbally joined People’s Party, but I had to balance the call to my party,” he said.

UDF on Saturday co-opted 20 members who include Moses Dossi and Ruth Takomana, who lost to the party’s president Atupele Muluzi during the party’s national conference on October 30.

The party’s constitution allows the NEC to co-opt members and has now swelled to 72.

Others are Smolet Kachere, Dr Godfrey Chapola, Leornard Mangulama, Dr. Clement Chiwaya, Robert Jamieson, Austin Ajawa, Ian Kanyuka, Christopher Kanyuka and Rose Mankhwala.