By Aubrey Thom VAKHANI

Councillor for Chibavi West Ward in Mzuzu, Gabriel Mwaungulu (independent ) has changed his earlier plans to contest as a Member of Parliament (MP) during the forthcoming general elections slated for September 16 2025.

Mwaungulu said he has arrived at the decision following series of consultations he had with different stakeholders who urged him to support former mayor of Mzuzu City, William Fyopo Mkandawire who will contest as a legislator for newly demarcated Mzuzu City South West Constituency where Mwaungulu was eying.

“After having deliberations with [my] family, friends, and members of the community, I have decided that I should no longer contest as an MP. I will allow my former boss [the former Mayor] who is also a friend and brother, [William Fyopo Mkandawire] who has shown interest to contest for the same position in the same constituency to go ahead. So, I will support his candidature to develop the constituency,” said Mwaungulu.

The councillor did however not disclose his next move.

He only said: “My political future will be known next month. I will make an announcement.”

Mkandawire who served as mayor of Mzuzu City Council between 2014 and 2019, was not readily available for comment.