The Assembly for Democracy and Development (ADD) has officially announced that its party leader, Rt. Honorable Dr. Cassim Chilumpha, SC, has withdrawn from the 2025 presidential race.
This development comes just a day before Dr. Chilumpha was expected to submit his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on 29th July 2025, as part of the official presidential nomination process.
The former Vice President of Malawi has instead opted to form a political alliance and work collaboratively with another former President of Malawi, Dr. Joyce Banda, who is the current leader of the People’s Party (PP).
Chilumpha
According to a statement released by ADD, the party has resolved to support Dr. Joyce Banda’s presidential candidacy in the upcoming general elections scheduled for 16th September 2025.
The party has urged all its members across the country, as well as Malawians who desire a better future, to vote for Dr. Joyce Banda as the next President of Malawi.
ADD believes that Dr. Banda possesses the necessary wisdom, experience, and governance skills to effectively manage the affairs of the state and collaborate with non-governmental institutions for national development.
The message was communicated by Lameck Sapuwa, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, who can be reached at 0993853998 for further information.
The ADD’s campaign is now united under the banner: “It is Possible with Dr. Joyce Banda.”
This strategic endorsement is expected to reshape the dynamics of the upcoming elections as alliances begin to take form across the political spectrum.
Dr. Cassim Chilumpha is one of Malawi’s most seasoned political figures, a man whose contributions to the country’s governance and legal landscape span decades.
He holds the rare distinction of having served as both a Vice President and a senior cabinet minister, roles that have equipped him with extensive insight into the inner workings of Malawi’s political and administrative systems.
A legal scholar by profession and a Senior Counsel (SC) by recognition, Dr. Chilumpha is respected for his measured political demeanor, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to constitutionalism and democratic values.
As leader of the Assembly for Democracy and Development (ADD), he has consistently emphasized issue-based politics, national unity, and a development-first approach, even when operating outside the mainstream political spotlight.
Chilumpha
His decision to withdraw from the 2025 presidential race and support former President Dr. Joyce Banda, leader of the People’s Party (PP), must be understood not as a sign of retreat, but as an act of strategic statesmanship.
Rather than pursue personal political ambition, Dr. Chilumpha has chosen to contribute to national transformation by aligning with a leader he believes has the capacity, credibility, and wisdom to take Malawi forward.
Dr. Joyce Banda’s track record during her presidency—from 2012 to 2014—includes championing women’s rights, economic reforms, and public sector integrity, values that resonate strongly with Dr. Chilumpha’s own political ethos.
This endorsement is a merger of vision and principle: Dr. Chilumpha brings to the alliance his loyal political base, deep governance knowledge, and an extensive network that stretches across Malawi’s regions.
By calling on ADD members and all Malawians to support Dr. Joyce Banda in the September 2025 elections, Dr. Chilumpha is showing that his loyalty lies not with titles or positions, but with the future of the nation.
His belief in partnership governance, as well as his experience working alongside civil society and institutions of accountability, makes his endorsement a significant boost to the PP campaign.
Dr. Chilumpha’s political maturity also reflects a deep understanding of the electoral terrain, recognizing that unity among progressive forces is the most viable path toward ending leadership fragmentation and restoring institutional strength.
It is no coincidence that his campaign message, “Ndizotheka ndi Mai Dr Joyce Banda” (It is possible with Dr. Joyce Banda), is framed with optimism and realism—grounded in the hope for inclusive and ethical leadership.
This moment is not about personal gains; it is about safeguarding the democratic promise of Malawi and ensuring the country is led by individuals who value competence, humility, and national service.
Those who know Dr. Chilumpha understand that he does not make such political decisions lightly. Every move is calculated, legally sound, and rooted in a long-term vision for justice and development.
Conclusion
In throwing his full weight behind Dr. Joyce Banda, Dr. Cassim Chilumpha is once again proving that he is one of Malawi’s rare political minds—capable of transcending ego for the greater good.
He has demonstrated that real leadership is not about who stands on the ballot, but about who helps steer the nation toward dignity, peace, and prosperity.
Malawians would do well to heed his call and embrace a leadership combination that prioritizes service over politics, wisdom over populism, and unity over division.
In these crucial times, Dr. Chilumpha’s support is not just political; it is patriotic.
Mighty Wanderers have suffered a major setback after key midfielder Francisco Madinga officially parted ways with the club following the breakdown of contract renewal negotiations.
According to sources close to the deal, Madinga was offered a contract extension by the Blantyre-based giants, but talks hit a deadlock when Madinga demanded a K10 million signing-on fee for a two-year deal a figure the club deemed unsustainable under its current wage structure.
Madinga
Madinga, who rejoined Wanderers two years ago after a spell abroad with FC Dila Gori in Georgia, has been an instrumental figure in the midfield, bringing international experience and composure to the squad.
A source within the club revealed that Wanderers had hoped to build their midfield around Madinga, but were forced to reconsider due to financial constraints and their internal salary cap policy.
“We value his talent, but we also have to be realistic with our budget,” the source said.
There is a possibility of a return to international football, as Madinga is believed to have attracted interest from clubs in South Africa’s DStv Premiership and Tanzania.
Meanwhile, Mighty Wanderers are expected to step up their hunt for a suitable replacement as they aim to remain competitive in the TNM Super League and cup competitions.
Recognizing the significance of the presentation of candidacy nomination papers for the Presidential Election, the Malawi Electoral Commission facilitated a moment that symbolized both democratic commitment and political ambition.
As part of the official nomination procedures, the Commission, along with the National Development Party (NDP) presidential candidate and his running mate, gathered to commemorate the occasion with a formal group photograph.
The image captured not only the candidates’ confidence and readiness to contest in the 2025 Presidential Election but also the solemnity of the process as overseen by the Commission.
Such ceremonial documentation serves to emphasize transparency, accountability, and the gravity of leadership selection in a democratic society like Malawi.
The 2025 presidential race is shaping up to be highly competitive, and moments like these are integral in telling the unfolding story of Malawi’s democratic journey.
As the #presidentialnomination2025 and #malawivotes2025 hashtags trend across media platforms, voters are reminded of the importance of participation, scrutiny, and national unity as the country heads into another electoral season.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have bolstered their squad with the signing of 27-year-old defender Khumbo Banda from PremierBet Dedza Dynamos on a two-year contract.
Confirming the development, Bullets’head coach Peter Mponda described Banda as a hardworking player who deserves the opportunity to join the team.
Banda
Mponda said the defender’s versatility will be a great asset, noting that he can play in multiple positions across the backline.
“He is a very committed and tireless player. It only made sense to bring him in. His ability to play both centrally and on the right in defense gives us added depth,” Mponda said.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Banda expressed his excitement at joining one of the biggest clubs in the country. He promised not to sit on the sidelines but to fight hard for a starting spot.
“I’m very happy to join this big club. I’m not here to just watch I’ll work hard and fight for the badge. Coach Mponda has always encouraged me to give my best, so I wasn’t surprised to be called up. I was ready,” said Banda.
Banda’s move comes after two years of consistent performances at Dedza Dynamos, where he impressed with his discipline and reliability in defense.
