By Durell Namasani
In a political showdown that is rocking the corridors of power, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has delivered a stark ultimatum to National Assembly Speaker Sameer Suleman, accusing him of running a “competing centre of authority” and threatening the unity of President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s administration.
In a fiery press release dated September 3, 2026, DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhito didn’t mince words. While acknowledging Parliament’s constitutional right to oversight, the party made it crystal clear that Suleman—who is also a senior DPP official—must remember who put him in power.
“Respect the President—or Else”
The DPP has drawn a hard line in the sand, warning that Suleman’s recent public criticisms are dangerously blurring the lines between legislative oversight and executive authority. The party insists that “no office should be used in a manner that creates competing centers of authority,” effectively telling the Speaker to stop acting like a parallel president.
The ruling party has laid down a four-point ultimatum for Suleman:
1. Show unwavering respect for President Mutharika.
2. Acknowledge the constitutional power of the Executive.
3. Adhere strictly to collective party decisions.
4. Stay firmly within the boundaries of the Speaker’s office.
A Battle for Control
The tension comes amid growing public scrutiny of issues Suleman has raised, from the troubled Salima water project and the civil servants’ pension scheme to electricity crises at ESCOM and EGENCO, and even passport delays.
While the DPP claims it doesn’t oppose legitimate oversight, the message is clear: accountability is fine, but it must not “paralyze” the government. The party has warned that parliamentary scrutiny should strengthen the administration, not become an “alternative executive authority.”
“No One Is Above the Party”
In a closing warning that signals a potential purge, the DPP declared that “no individual office is greater than the mandate given to us by the people.” The statement serves as a reminder to all senior officials: toe the party line, or face the political axe.
As Suleman continues to flex his parliamentary muscles, this latest salvo from the DPP sets the stage for a high-stakes political clash. Will the Speaker back down, or is Malawi on the brink of a constitutional crisis?
