PF Convention in Limbo

As the National Chairperson Warn "Zayelo" Against ‘Manipulating Rules’ to advantage himself

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24  --- 22-11-2025) --- The Patriotic Front (PF) has plunged into a full-blown convention crisis, with senior party officials today accusing Acting PF President Given Lubinda of “manipulating rules” and violating the party constitution after he suspended all National Executive Committee (NEC) sittings indefinitely—just days before the general conference.

Addressing a press briefing in Lusaka, Acting Central Committee Chairperson Musonda Mpankhata said Lubinda’s decision amounted to an attempt to tilt the electoral process in his favour, warning that the party would not allow any individual to interfere with the credibility of the upcoming convention.

Mpankhata said Lubinda acted without consulting senior members of the Central Committee, despite expectations that he would meet them before issuing major directives. 

He argued that the PF Constitution does not grant an acting leader authority to suspend NEC sittings or make unilateral administrative decisions without formal ratification.

“Suspending sittings of the highest organ of the party indefinitely, and issued by a junior member acting alone, is unacceptable and unprecedented,” he said.

He accused Lubinda of placing personal ambition above the party’s collective interests, saying the decision appeared aimed at shaping the conditions ahead of the PF presidential election. 

Mpankhata insisted that the PF would not allow any contestant to alter internal rules to gain advantage, saying “a candidate cannot be both judge and jury.”

Mpankhata called on Lubinda to step aside immediately, arguing that only a neutral administrative structure would restore confidence ahead of the general conference.

 He said the National Chairman, working closely with the Secretary General, should preside over party affairs until a new president is elected.

He also criticised what he described as Lubinda’s “selective use” of the PF Constitution, noting that while Lubinda cited the document when dismissing several party officials, he allegedly ignored it when suspending NEC sittings. 

This contradiction, he said, had deepened confusion within the party, with members demanding clarity on what the PF Constitution actually stipulates.

Mpankhata said the escalating leadership dispute had raised broader concerns about the party’s respect for both its internal constitution and Zambia’s democratic values. 

He said the indefinite suspension of the convention amounted to concentrating power in one individual, contrary to the party’s constitutional order.

He added that the Central Committee would soon appoint the PF Electoral Commission, as required by the party constitution, to oversee preparations for the general conference. 

The commission will consist of a chairperson, a secretary and three other members, subject to Central Committee approval.

Mpankhata reaffirmed the Central Committee is committed to safeguarding internal democracy and ensuring a credible, fair and transparent convention.