By Suleman Chitera

Nkhotakota, Malawi — Malawi Congress Party (MCP) legislator for Nkhotakota, Hon. Sylvester Ayuba James, has sparked debate after declaring that the MCP has not been in full control of government since the era of late Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

Speaking during Zodiak TV’s Exclusive programme, Ayuba argued that the last five years should not be attributed to MCP’s governance record, claiming that state affairs were dominated by close associates and family members of President Lazarus Chakwera, particularly church-linked groups, rather than the party’s core leadership and structures.

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“Malawians must understand that MCP has not been the one running government recently. The negative outcomes that people are complaining about should not be blamed on the party,” Ayuba stated.

His remarks come at a time when political analysts, party supporters, and citizens continue to review the Tonse Alliance administration, whose performance has remained a hot topic ahead of the next election cycle.

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Ayuba insisted that public frustrations should be directed at individuals who influenced state decisions, arguing that MCP as a party should not carry the burden of failures allegedly created by non-party actors.

The comments are likely to reignite political debate, especially surrounding party accountability, transparency in leadership, and public trust as the country prepares for its next democratic transition.