Malawi Freedom Network 
By Staff Reporter
The Northern Region Chapter of the Young Politicians Union (YPU) has strongly condemned remarks made by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the Northern Region, Jappie Mhango, accusing him of deliberately disrespecting Second Vice President and AFORD President Enock Chihana.
The young politicians say the comments, made during a campaign rally in Rumphi Central, were not only reckless but also an insult to the office of the Second Vice President.
Speaking at the rally, Mhango reportedly told supporters that Chihana is not a cabinet minister and suggested that the AFORD leader has to “beg” him for road development projects in the North because he is the Minister of Transport.
But the YPU Northern Chapter says such statements expose what it describes as arrogance and a dangerous lack of respect for national leadership.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Chairperson Mervin Nxumayo and Secretary Christopher Nyirenda, the union said Mhango’s remarks were meant to demean Chihana and undermine the dignity of the presidency.
“The statements made by the minister are not only disrespectful to the Second Vice President, but they also undermine the authority of the President and the First Vice President, who are equally not cabinet ministers,” reads part of the statement.
The young politicians said it was shocking that a senior government official could publicly belittle a constitutional office holder for political gain.
The YPU also condemned remarks made by DPP Northern Region Governor Christopher Mzomera Ngwira, who allegedly accused Chihana of fighting President Peter Mutharika and claimed that the Second Vice President’s political relevance would soon come to an end.
According to the YPU, such remarks are inflammatory and risk fuelling unnecessary political tensions in the Northern Region.
The union warned that political leaders must stop using divisive rhetoric and personal attacks, especially in areas where parties within the same alliance are competing against each other.
AFORD and the DPP entered into an electoral alliance in September 2025, but tensions have continued to surface on the ground as both parties field candidates in several constituencies, including Rumphi Central.
The YPU says the continued verbal attacks against Chihana expose deep cracks within the alliance and threaten to erode public confidence in political cooperation.
“Malawians are tired of leaders who thrive on insults and political intimidation instead of focusing on development,” the statement added.
The young politicians have since called on people in the Northern Region and across Malawi to reject politics of hostility and instead promote peace, tolerance and mutual respect among leaders.
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