Mzimba independent councillors join PP

Two independent councillors in Mzimba have joined the People’s Party (PP), arguing it is more organised than other political parties.

Dan Nyirenda of Walura Ward in Mzimba East and Annie Nkhata of Euthini Ward in Mzimba Central were PP members before 2014 Tripartite elections, but contested after being disappointed with the party’s primaries.

Both Nyirenda and Nkhata confirmed the development in separate interviews on Thursday. Nyirenda said despite having challenges, he believes PP is more mature and organised.

“I was already in PP before the elections, but decided to stand as an independent candidate after noting that the primaries were not free and fair. I am only going back to my party.

“PP has concrete structures on the ground and there is hope that the party will have a big impact in the next elections,” said Nyirenda.

PP provincial chairperson for the North, the Reverend Christopher Ngwira, said the return of the two shows that people in the Northern Region love the party.

“I personally welcomed them. This is clear evidence that the party is intact in the region and people are willing to be part of it.

“We are not in government, but the councillors have seen that PP has a better vision and is determined to go back into government,” said Ngwira.

PP became a governing party in 2012 after its leader Joyce Banda, then State Vice President, took over power following the death of president Bingu wa Mutharika who was from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The DPP, under Peter Mutharika, returned to power last year after winning the tripartite elections.