Former First Lady, Callista Mutharika has apologized to Malawians for supporting Peter Mutharika’s candidature in the 2014 elections.

The widow of former Malawi president, Bingu wa Mutharika, said she regrets her actions saying the incumbent president has failed Malawians.

Mrs. Mutharika was speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Lilongwe where members of the Chilima Movement was endorsing his candidature at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) convention.

The first lady cited old age, little knowledge of the Malawi nation and lack of self-confidence on the part of the president as reasons enough for him to pave way for young blood.

“You may ask as to why I didn’t denounce his leadership at first, the reason is simple, I was still mourning for Bingu and per our tradition, it would have sounded awkward for me to start fighting my in-law then,” she said.

Notable officials who were present during the press conference included Patricia Kaliati, Luis Ngalande, Noel Masangwi, Allan Ngumuya, Chidamti Malunga as well as former ministers Malison Ndau and Paul Chibingu.

To date, vice president Saulos Chilima, who did not attend the press conference, has not opened up on his next political move.

The DPP announced on Wednesday that it will hold its elective national convention at a yet to be announced date in June.

However, senior members including the party’s Secretary General, Grezeldar Geoffrey have been claiming that Mutharika is the party’s torchbearer for the 2019 elections therefore he will go unopposed during the convention.