Malawian cleric Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has denied that he has any ambitions of being the southern African country’s president, saying that a social media campaign encouraging him to enter the political ring was instigated by unknown forces working against his will.
Malawi is set to hold Tripartite Elections for the State President, Members of Parliament, and Ward Councillors in September 2025.
The presidential poll in particular has been billed as a battle of the giants between Peter Mutharika and the incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera, who were the top two presidential candidates in the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections.
In a post on social media, Bushiri said he had no intentions of joining that duo on the ballot, despite the clamours of some that wanted to force him to join the race.
“I have seen a trend on social media mobilizing people to go and demonstrate in the streets here in Malawi in order to force me to run for Presidency. I strongly and vehemently warn against doing such. It is against my will!” he posted.
Despite this, Bushiri’s plea seemed to fall on deaf ears, as some of his followers encouraged him to run even if he did not fancy the prospect of a political contest.
“We will force you to become a president, and you will eventually become our state president whether you like it or not, this issue is non-negotiable, we don’t even care about your opinion on this matter,” one follower posted. Telly Africa
