By Twink Jones Gadama
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has officially acknowledged receipt of a written apology from honorable Gladys Ganda, over her recent endorsement of President Lazarus Chakwera at a rally in Nsanje Lalanje constituency.
Ganda, who holds a senior position in the DPP, surprised many when she drummed up support for President Chakwera during a rally, sparking widespread speculation about her loyalty to the party.
In a statement released yesterday, DPP National Publicity Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson, Shadrick Namalomba, confirmed that the party had received Ganda’s written apology and withdrawal of her statement.
“We have received a written apology from our honorable Gladys Ganda, over her recent utterances at a rally in Nsanje Lalanje constituency.
We accept her apology and withdrawal of the statement. The matter is now closed,” Namalomba said.
Ganda’s endorsement of President Chakwera was seen as a significant blow to the DPP, which has been gearing up for next year’s elections.
Her comments were widely reported in the media, with many interpreting them as a sign of divisions within the party.
However, in a surprise move, Ganda issued a written apology to the party, reaffirming her commitment to the DPP.
“I want to apologize for my recent utterances at a rally in Nsanje Lalanje constituency.
I was wrong to endorse President Chakwera, and I withdraw my statement.
My commitment to the DPP remains unwavering, and I will continue to work tirelessly for the party’s success,” Ganda said in her apology letter.
The DPP’s acceptance of Ganda’s apology has been seen as a strategic move to heal divisions within the party ahead of next year’s elections.
Political analysts say the move is a sign of the party’s desire to present a united front ahead of the polls.
“The DPP cannot afford to have divisions within its ranks ahead of next year’s elections.
By accepting Ganda’s apology, the party is sending a strong message that it is united and ready for the polls,” said political analyst, George Phiri.
The development has also sparked debate about the role of senior party officials in endorsing rival candidates.
“It’s a complex issue, but ultimately, senior party officials must be loyal to their party. Ganda’s endorsement of President Chakwera was a mistake, and she did the right thing by apologizing,” said another political analyst, Emily Chikhosi.
As the DPP looks to next year’s elections, the party will be hoping to put the Ganda saga behind it and focus on its campaign.
With the opposition United Transformation Movement (UTM) and the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) already gearing up for the polls, the DPP will need to be at the top of its game if it hopes to succeed.
The party has promised to announce its candidate for next year’s elections soon, with many speculating that it could be former President Peter Mutharika.
As the country looks to next year’s elections, one thing is clear: the DPP will need to be united if it hopes to succeed.
In related developments, the DPP has announced plans to hold a national executive committee meeting next week to discuss the party’s strategy for next year’s elections.
The meeting is expected to be attended by senior party officials, including President Peter Mutharika.
The party has also announced plans to launch its election campaign next month, with a series of rallies and meetings planned across the country.
As the election season heats up, Malawians will be watching closely to see how the DPP and other parties perform.
One thing is clear: next year’s elections will be a defining moment for Malawi’s democracy.
