‘Those helping for favors in return have dialed wrong number’ – Chilima

United Transformation Movement (UTM) torch bearer Saulos Chilima has assured Malawians that those who are contributing to the party’s campaign funding have no chance of favors in return once he gets into power.

Chilima made the remarks on Thursday in Mangochi where he addressed a campaign political rally.

Chilima said that UTM is a group of people and it is not about him alone.

He further added that most of UTM members are business persons who sacrifice their resources to the party.

“We are a group, it’s not just about me. We have people in the party who are business people and they sacrifice their resources,” he said.

Chilima further explained that there are other well-wisher in the country who are not into active politics but they subscribe to the good cause of UTM.

“We have friends who are not into active politics but they subscribe to our good cause and they assist the party,” he explained.

He added; “We buy party materials when we get contributions from our members. Others voluntarily bring UTM branded materials like clothes, posters while others pay filling stations for us to refuel party vehicles,”

Chilima added that they hold events as one way of fundraising for the party’s finances.

“We organize fundraising events and a month or two ago we advertised our (party) bank details for well-wishers to send money through,” said Chilima.

When asked to comment on what he will do to those who are helping the party with intentions to be given favors when he gets in power Chilima said they have dialed a wrong number as he is not in the cause of appeasing anyone.

“Those who may be expecting something in return after assisting the party have dialed a wrong number. That will never happen,” challenged Chilima.

In less than a year before elections Chilima’s UTM has established political structures countrywide and gained momentum to challenge president Peter Mutharika in the May 21 polls.