Ben Phiri speaks out on Callista’s remarks endorsing Chilima as 2019 DPP Presidential candidate

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s Ben Phiri has for the first time commented on the remarks made by the country’s former first lady Callista Mutharika to endorse vice President Saulos Chilima as the party’s torchbearer in the forthcoming tripartite election.

Last week Callista Mutharika openly rejected President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s candidature, saying he is too old.

Addressing a press briefing in Lilongwe this morning Ben Phiri said Callista Mutharika is a bonafide member of DPP and is entitled to her views but the question of presidential candidate will be tackled at the party’s convention.

The DPP’s field marshal alleged that there are people who are trying to tarnish the image of the party emphasizing that he supports the partnership of President Peter Mutharika and Vice-President Saulos Chilima.

He said: “If I would advise APM to choose a runningmate, I would ask him to pick the Vice- President. He is a young man whom APM can be assured the country will be in safe hands when he retires.

Phiri further said Chilima must be groomed for the role in future as “a green banana can have sour taste”.

According to Phiri the next DPP manifesto will be youth centered with the party consulting on ways to take care of youths across the country.