A leading political academic has cast doubt on President Peter Mutharika’s ability to control ambitious rivals within his own party, after the 86-year-old leader used a video message to warn those eyeing the presidency that they will have to wait until 2030 for their chance. ‘The message is targeting prominent members of the Cabinet, especially those in the party executive,’ Sambo said. The academic’s blunt assessment poses an awkward question for the veteran leader: whether a single video message will be enough to keep a lid on ambitions that have likely been simmering within his own Cabinet for months, if not longer. In the video, the President left little room for ambiguity over his intentions to serve out his full term. ‘I am going to serve for five years until 2030 and those who cannot wait should wait until 2030 when there will be a competition and I hope to handover the government then to another member of the Democratic Progressive Party.’