Fabian Mutale says Edgar Lungu is making manouvres to solidly his standing and secure the PF presidency.
In a statement, titled The Secret Appointments and Internal Strife within Zambia’s Patriotic Front Party, Mutale, who is former private secretary to Chishimba Kambwili, accused Lungu of making what he termed as strategic appointments to secure his position.
“In a surprising turn of events, sources close to President Lungu have recently revealed significant developments within the Patriotic Front (PF) party. These developments, which include new appointments and rumored attempts to deregister the party, have sparked speculation regarding the future of the PF and its potential convention,” Mutale stated. “According to insider information, President Lungu has made strategic appointments within the party. Hon. Nakachinda has been named as the new PF Secretary General, while Hon. Chitalu Chilufya has been appointed as the Vice President and potential running mate for the 2026 elections. These appointments appear to be part of President Lungu’s bid to strengthen his political position and secure his potential candidacy.”
He stated that contrary to earlier expectations, his sources are now suggesting that the upcoming Saturday meeting will not announce the date for the PF convention, as previously anticipated.
“This delay raises questions about the party’s commitment to holding a convention and may reinforce the notion that a convention may not occur anytime soon,” Mutale stated and accused PF a PF senior leader of collaborating with the Registrar of Societies to deregister the party, stemming from the party’s current agenda, known as the “Alebwelelapo agenda.”
“These secretive efforts to deregister the PF highlight the increasing divisions within the party and the potential threat it faces in maintaining its political legitimacy. As part of these developments, the PF Secretariat has been relocated to Ibex, President Lungu’s personal residence. This move signals a shift away from State House, where the party’s operations were previously centered during its time in power. Regular meetings are reported to take place at Ibex, often extending late into the night, as key party members strategize and collaborate on future political maneuvers,” stated Mutale, who calls himself a democracy advocate. “An additional surprising aspect of these developments is the alleged support from a Catholic Bishop. It is claimed that one of the Catholic Bishops has publicly aligned himself with President Lungu and is working closely with him to further his ambitions of returning to power. This affiliation may have significant implications for both the Catholic Church and the political landscape of Zambia, potentially influencing voter sentiments and alliances. The future of the PF remains uncertain as internal divisions and power struggles within the party continue to undermine its stability. President Lungu’s recent appointments, potential deregistration attempts, and secretive meetings at Ibex highlight the intrigue and uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership, as well as its ability to hold a convention and maintain broad support. Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on confidential sources and may be subject to changes or inaccuracies. Further verification is continously being done.”
