LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Chisomo Nkhata, a UTM aspirant in Lilongwe Mlodza Constituency, has announced that he will not be contesting on the party’s ticket in next week’s election.

Nkhata said he made the decision after UTM submitted the name of Shyreen Masanza to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) as its official candidate for the constituency.

He explained that this development left him disappointed and frustrated with the party’s leadership.

Speaking to MIJ Online, Nkhata confirmed that he has withdrawn from UTM in protest at what he described as unfair internal processes.

Despite the setback, Nkhata revealed that he is not quitting politics altogether, announcing his intention to run in the 2030 parliamentary elections.

He emphasised that his focus will now be on rebuilding his political career outside the UTM framework.

At the time of reporting, UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala had not yet commented on the matter.