Leader of opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa has said he is ready to face former President Peter Mutharika at the elective conference of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The Party is scheduled to hold the elective conference on December 26 and 27 in the Eastern District of Mangoch and Mutharika has declared interest to contest as President.

Mutharika declared the interest yesterday during the National Governing Council (NGC) meeting held in Mangochi.

In a statement made available to faceofmalawi, Nankhumwa said he is delighted that Mutharika has declared his interest to contest for Presidency.

“I am particularly relieved that APM has openly declared his intention to stand as a presidential candidate at the National Convention. His earlier silence on this matter was highly polarizing and posed a significant threat to dividing the party.

“In the same vein, I reiterate my commitment and resolve to compete against any candidate(s) vying for the position of President for DPP, including Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika,” said Nankhumwa.

He added: “Now that APM has publicly engaged, I hope this marks the beginning of a healing process as we gear up for the 2025 elections.

“My plea is for the party to ensure a level playing field for all presidential candidates and those contesting for other positions at the National Convention. This will firmly entrench intra-party democracy within the DPP.”

Meanwhile, Nankhumwa has expressed serious concerns on the prioritization in the formation of a disciplinary committee over a National Convention Committee by the Party.