By Suleman Chitera, Mangochi, Malawi
After more than ten years out of frontline politics in Makanjira, Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola is staging a dramatic comeback—this time as an independent candidate for the Mangochi North parliamentary seat.
On Wednesday, Matola filed his nomination papers to cheering supporters, reigniting memories of his past tenure, which many still associate with tangible development.
“People still remember the roads, schools, and clinics we started. The momentum was lost when I left, but it’s not too late to rebuild,” he declared confidently at the nomination center.
Once a dominant political figure in the constituency under various party banners, Matola now seeks to cut through party lines and appeal directly to the people—banking on his legacy and a promise of renewed development.
Observers say his return signals a strategic reinvention, combining grassroots nostalgia with independent boldness. In a region often plagued by political fatigue and unmet promises, Matola’s pitch is clear: results over rhetoric.
Whether this bold independent move will translate into votes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Makanjira politics just got a lot more interesting.
