Alliance Rift Over PF Deepens

NCP accuses Tonse Alliance of sidelining legitimate party leadership

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia — 8 January 2026

The New Congress Party (NCP) has sharply criticised the Tonse Alliance for sidelining legitimate party leadership and delinking the Patriotic Front (PF) from its association within the coalition, a move described by NCP President Peter Chanda as “unilateral and disrespectful.”

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday, Chanda said the decision to separate PF from the alliance was made without proper consultation, violating prior agreements among partner parties. 

He warned that such actions undermine political legitimacy, disregard the legacy of founding leaders, and expose deeper leadership struggles within the alliance.

“The attempt to delink PF and redraw alliance arrangements without consultation is a betrayal of trust,” Chanda said. 

“Alliances should operate on collective decisions, not unilateral moves driven by personal interests.”

Chanda accused some alliance officials of orchestrating a deliberate plan to weaken the New Congress Party, elevating appointed leaders while sidelining elected party heads.

 He described these actions as the “highest level of disrespect” to parties that contributed to forming the alliance.

The NCP president further alleged that similar tactics had been previously used against his party, including attempts to forcefully remove him from leadership, which he said exposed a consistent pattern of political intolerance within sections of the alliance.

He recalled that internal agreements on leadership positions and electoral participation were disregarded during alliance meetings held in October, when decisions were allegedly imposed contrary to consensus. 

Despite these challenges, Chanda said he had exercised restraint in the interest of unity but noted that his goodwill was repeatedly abused through false accusations, including claims that he sought to take over other political parties—allegations he firmly dismissed.

Chanda went on to accuse Tonse Alliance leaders of deliberately disrespecting the NCP’s desire to serve as a multipurpose vehicle for the alliance, a role he said was meant to strengthen coalition coordination and represent diverse political voices.

 “Some leaders within the Tonse Alliance never wanted the NCP to function as a credible platform for the coalition,” he said.

 “Instead, they sought to sideline us, control the process, and push their own agendas.”

He said the recent developments vindicate those who have long warned that certain Tonse leaders are ‘up to no good.’ 

“Today, the actions of these leaders confirm the concerns many people have had for a long time,” Chanda added. 

“Those of us who spoke out earlier are now proven right—the alliance is being manipulated by selfish interests, and legitimate party leadership is being ignored.”

Addressing the Zambian public, Chanda reaffirmed that the New Congress Party remains intact and committed to offering a credible political alternative.

 “The NCP is grounded in the people’s choice and values, and no illegitimate manoeuvres will erase it,” he said.

Chanda concluded by urging respect for political agreements and legacy, warning that history would judge those who undermined unity for short-term gains. 

He said forgiveness had been extended, but accountability and truth remain critical to Zambia’s democratic culture.

All rights reserved.