By Steven Godfrey Mkweteza
Former Blantyre City Mayor, Wild Ndipo, has finally announced that he has dumped the opposition Democratic Progressive Party(DPP) and has decided to stand as an independent member of parliament for Chigumula BCA Club Banana constituency in Blantyre.
Speaking to the journalists in Blantyre, the incumbent Councillor for Chigula ward said he has made the decision following calls from the people in the area.
Ndipo cited numerous irregularities in the holding of the recently held primary elections as some of the factors that has led him to dump the party for independent ticket.
Among others, the former Mayor said there has been candidate favouritism, which has been perpetuated by the top membership of the party.
” It has been noted that members from the top ranks have candidates of their own choice and that they make sure that he or she wins the elections,” he said
According to Ndipo, the tendency has made the party to lose so many aspirants and increased number of independent candidates during the forthcoming general elections.
Ndipo, who expressed confidence that he would come out victorious during the forthcoming general elections, claimed that he has been approached by many political parties to join them but he has resolved not to join any political party.
” It is no longer my wish and wishes of my followers to join any political party. I’m well and good as an independent candidate as I have already collected my nomination papers on the same,” he said
Ndipo emphasizes that it’s not financial capital, but social capital that matters in serving the communites.
‘”I have a proven record of delivering on my promises. With seven and a half years of experience as Mayor of Blantyre City, six years as MAGLA president, three years as aboard member in NLGFC and a stint as Deputy Mayor under Noel Chalamanda, I am very confident that these will help me to serve the people well,” he said
Ndipo highlighted the importance of social capital.
“It is not the money we disburse to communities that can end their challenges, but meeting their actual needs by listening to them and understanding what they lack the most,” he said
Ndipo previously contested against Summeer Suleman on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ticket during primary elections in the newly introduced Chigumula BCA club Banana constituency.
