By Wadza Botomani
Vitumbiko Mumba, Minister of Trade and a member of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has resigned from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). Mumba announced his decision in a social media post on Tuesday, citing disagreements over the committee’s composition and internal politics.
In his statement, Mumba emphasized that while he remains a party member, he could no longer serve in the NEC due to what he described as “politics over people.” He criticized the inclusion of co-opted members who had not contested in the party’s convention, claiming that 80% of them had not paid nomination fees or campaigned.
“You cannot have a NEC where most members were never elected but simply handpicked,” Mumba wrote. “This has led to chaos in primaries because only one man makes decisions while others fear to question them.”
He also accused senior NEC members of spreading “small-mega lies,” though he refrained from elaborating due to an ongoing court case. Despite his resignation, Mumba reaffirmed his loyalty to the MCP and President Lazarus Chakwera, vowing to campaign for the party in his constituency.
Political analysts suggest Mumba’s departure highlights growing tensions within the MCP. Meanwhile, the party is yet to issue an official response.
