Njovuyalema defects to DPP, citing ‘focused leadership’

Veteran politician Joseph Njovuyalema says he has joined the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) after being impressed by what he described as the party’s focused leadership.

Njovuyalema was speaking on Saturday during an event held to officially welcome him into the party at Ming’ongo Ground in the area of Senior Chief Kalolo in Lilongwe.

“If you look at DPP leadership, it has very mature people. Even most of the senior cabinet ministers are mature people. The way they are handling matters of the state, I find them to be very focused,” he said.

His move from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to the DPP comes as political parties continue efforts to strengthen their grassroots support bases ahead of future elections.

The welcoming ceremony attracted senior DPP officials from the party’s Central Region leadership, traditional leaders and local supporters who gathered to witness the veteran politician’s formal entry into the party.

DPP Deputy Regional Governor for the Central Region, Grey Kapute, described the development as a sign that the party continues to grow, saying Njovuyalema brings a wealth of political experience to its ranks.

“The development shows that DPP is still growing. Njovuyalema is an experienced politician who will add value to the party,” said Kapute.

Njovuyalema served for many years as a Member of Parliament under the MCP and is regarded as one of the country’s seasoned politicians.

His defection is the latest in a series of political realignments as parties position themselves ahead of future political contests.