Uladi, Chilumpha, Mia, BJ battle for PP Vice Presidency

A battle of supremacy among People’s Party top gurus is secretly underway ahead for the ruling party’s make or break convention on August 27 in Blantyre.

Both PP Secretary General Henry Chibwana and Spokesperson Stephen Mwenye confirmed of the party’s August 27 convention.

Among other positions, the party will elect three Vice Presidents, a development that has ignited top party officials into secret campaigning.

The party wants to have a Vice President from each region, a move Mr. Chibwana said is meant to strengthen the party.

An insider source said the jostling has turned hot in the central region where Home Affairs Minister Uladi Mussa, Energy Minister Cassim Chilumpha, top party officials Clement Stambuli and George Zulu are all eying for the position.

In the southern region, the battle has centred on Transport Minister Sidik Mia and the party Treasurer Brown James Mpinganjira.

In the northern region no one has come fourth to challenge State Vice President Khumbo Kachali on the party position.

“They are doing favours to the delegates so that they are voted into the position. The campaigning has taken the focus,” said the source.

But the party’s SG, Mr. Chibwana he was not aware of the jostling.

“I am aware of the secret campaigning but it is natural in democracy for people to jostle for positions,” he said.

He said the party believes in democracy that is why it is going for the convention to allow party followers to elect leaders of their choice.

Mr. Mussa, the Home Affairs Minister, confirmed that he will be vying for the position but BJ said he will follow the wishes of the people whether to compete.