Mpinganjira quits PP

Firebrand veteran politician and former Minister of Information who was until Monday a vice president of former ruling People’s Party (PP) has resigned from the party, Nyasa Times has learnt.

Mpinganjira joins the growing number of senior PP members who have quit the party since its founder Joyce Banda lost the elections last year.

When telephoned to confirm the news of his resignation as vice president of the party and withdraw of PP membership, Mpinganjira told Nyasa Times: “You have the breaking news.”

He could not elaborate but said he will grant an exclusive interview to Nyasa Times Tuesday evening.

Mpinganjira, who lost elections at People’s Party convention, was made vice president after Sidik Mia resigned before last year’s elections.

At thet time he could notquit PP, saying his primary objective was to lay strong foundations for the party other than putting personal interest as a priority.

“There is no possibility of leaving the party because it has never crossed my mind. Quitting is out of question,” he had said at that time.

Mpinganjira, who is also an evangelist,  was one of the first members of United Democratic Front (UDF) and served in Bakili Muluzi cabinet before he resigned and formed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) which he used its ticket to stand in 2004 presidential elections.

Mpinganjira, who came forth during the 2004 presidential election, used to be Muluzi’s trusted aide and a senior minister in the UDF government, and was at one time even tipped to take over from Muluzi at the end of the president’s two terms.

But relations between the two soured when Muluzi began contemplating constitutional amendments to extend his stay in power.

Mpinganjira was arrested several times soon after leaving government for offences ranging from corruption to treason.

In 2009 he contested the presidency as running-mate of MCP presidential candidate John Tembo.