AFORD President Enoch Chihana has officially endorsed former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) as the preferred candidate to lead a united opposition alliance in the upcoming September 2025 elections.
Speaking at a political rally held at Namadidi in Chiradzulu District, Chihana declared his party’s support for what he described as “the proven leadership” of Mutharika.
He called on all opposition parties to come together under a grand alliance to challenge the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led by President Lazarus Chakwera.
Chihana emphasized that this alliance is not merely political convenience, but a patriotic front to save Malawi from what he termed the growing threat of autocracy under the current administration.
He warned that unless opposition forces unite, the fragmented vote would only serve to benefit the incumbent and prolong what he described as the nation’s continued economic suffering.
According to Chihana, Mutharika’s track record while in office speaks for itself—highlighting what he called the former president’s “stable and competent leadership” during his term between 2014 and 2020.
The endorsement is the result of weeks of behind-the-scenes consultations between AFORD and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), aimed at crafting a strategy to present a formidable electoral alternative to MCP.
Sources close to both parties indicate that discussions have focused on shared policy priorities, leadership structure, and joint campaign coordination for the critical months ahead.
Chihana expressed confidence that with APM at the helm of the alliance, Malawi could be steered back onto a path of economic recovery, job creation, and institutional stability.
He described Mutharika as a leader who understands governance, diplomacy, and fiscal discipline—qualities he believes are lacking under the current regime.
This development marks a significant moment in the 2025 presidential race, as it signals the beginning of what could become a major realignment of opposition forces.
Political observers view Chihana’s move as a catalyst that could encourage other opposition figures to rally behind Mutharika, consolidating votes and resources.
The endorsement also adds political weight to Mutharika’s candidacy at a time when several opposition leaders have been debating whether to field individual candidates or unify around a single figure.
As the campaign period intensifies, the announcement is expected to shake up political dynamics and force the ruling MCP to recalibrate its electoral strategy.
AFORD’s backing could also bring regional influence to the alliance, especially in the Northern Region, where the party retains a loyal support base.
In closing his speech, Chihana urged Malawians to consider the future of their children and the state of the economy when choosing their next president.
He stated that Malawi needs leadership that delivers, not one that experiments with promises, adding that unity in the opposition is the key to ushering in change.
With just weeks to go before official campaign season begins, all eyes are now on how other opposition leaders will respond to the proposed alliance and whether they, too, will throw their support behind APM.
The political landscape is shifting rapidly, and the formation of a grand alliance may prove to be a decisive factor in shaping the outcome of Malawi’s 2025 elections.
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