Industrial-Scale Defections Loom
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (25-03-2026) -- Former Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund National Coordinator Clement Tembo has resigned from the Patriotic Front (PF), warning of major political shifts ahead of the 2026 general elections and signalling that he will soon endorse a presidential candidate backed by what he described as “well-organised grassroots structures.”
Tembo, who is aspiring to contest the Kabwata parliamentary seat, said his decision to leave PF and relinquish his position as Lusaka Province Vice Secretary was both “timely and lawful,” adding that it clears his path to participate in the upcoming elections.
He accused the former ruling party of abandoning its founding pro-poor ideology, arguing that it had shifted from serving ordinary citizens to benefiting a small group of elites within its leadership.
“The PF was built on the strength of the grassroots, but over time that vision was distorted. What we saw was a shift from empowering citizens to enriching individuals,” Tembo said.
Tembo further attributed PF’s defeat in the 2021 general elections to internal failures rather than external political pressure, citing corruption, manipulation in candidate adoption processes, and poor leadership decisions.
According to Tembo, the sidelining of popular candidates in favour of individuals with financial influence weakened party structures and eroded public trust.
He also criticised the leadership environment around former President , alleging that the former Head of State was surrounded by individuals who blocked constructive advice and prioritised personal interests.
“This created an environment of arrogance, cadreism and political violence, which ultimately alienated the Zambian people,” he said.
On the party’s post-2021 conduct, Tembo said PF had failed to reform and instead continued to experience internal divisions.
He cited actions by , who he said organised a disputed convention, as well as the growing influence of , as evidence of the party’s weakened structure and lack of direction.
Despite the criticism, Tembo said many Zambians still believe in PF’s original ideology, which he noted remains alive among grassroots supporters.
He revealed that the presidential candidate he intends to endorse for the 2026 elections will benefit from an extensive support base, including traders, marketeers, clergy networks and mining communities across the country.
“These are not assumptions. These are verified structures with real people,” he said.
Tembo also disclosed that he played a role in efforts to support a political comeback for former President Lungu in 2024, including engagements in Chipata, the Copperbelt, Lusaka and Kabwe.
However, he claimed he faced resistance from within PF, including from individuals close to the former president.
He warned against the misuse of Lungu’s legacy for political gain, stressing that leadership must be anchored in integrity.
Tembo further criticised what he described as elite-driven political conflicts, citing long-standing dynamics involving President , Lungu, and late opposition leader , which he said often draw ordinary citizens into unnecessary struggles.
Turning to Kabwata constituency, Tembo alleged that corruption in PF’s 2021 adoption process led to his exclusion, resulting in the imposition of a candidate who lacked local support and contributed to the party’s loss to the late UPND lawmaker.
He also criticised the performance of current Kabwata Member of Parliament , saying it had fallen short of public expectations.
Tembo announced that his forthcoming presidential endorsement would be accompanied by what he described as one of the largest coordinated defections in Zambia’s political landscape, expected to take place in Kabwata, Lusaka and across all 10 provinces.
He maintained that Kabwata would play a strategic role in shaping the outcome of the 2026 elections.
“This is not just about politics. It is about restoring dignity, integrity and purpose in leadership,” Tembo said.
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