“MCP Has No President” Says Ayuba James

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is facing internal turbulence after its own Member of Parliament for Nkhotakota Central, Sylvester Ayuba James, openly criticised the party’s leadership in a strongly worded Facebook post.

Congressman James, claimed that MCP is currently without effective leadership, describing the party as being in a “serious political crisis.” He pointed to the arrest and bail of several senior party figures and the continued remand of Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda as signs of deep instability within the party.

In his post, James questioned President Lazarus Chakwera’s absence from the country at a time when the party is under pressure, arguing that the President should have addressed the situation publicly to reassure party supporters. He further criticised what he described as selective communication, suggesting that official engagements abroad were given more prominence than addressing the internal crisis facing MCP.

Congressman Sylvester Ayuba James

The outspoken MP said moments of crisis require visible and decisive leadership, warning that the party risks losing momentum and supporter confidence if the situation is not urgently addressed. He argued that MCP needs a leader who can unite members, provide direction, and stand with supporters during difficult times.

James concluded his remarks by casting doubt on the President’s suitability for political leadership, calling on the party to urgently reorganise its leadership to prevent further decline.

The post has since sparked intense debate online, with supporters and critics of MCP weighing in on the growing signs of internal divisions within the biggest opposition party.