Imboela accuses UPND govt of meddling in NDC affairs, calls rival convention ‘fake’

National Democratic Congress (NDC) president , Saboi Imboela, has accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of interfering in her party’s internal affairs by allegedly sponsoring divisions and orchestrating a “fake” convention.

In a statement issued on Monday, Imboela said the purported NDC convention—held at a government lodge by individuals she described as impostors allegedly working with the UPND—was an attempt to destabilize her party.

“As NDC, we strongly condemn the way the UPND has been trying to destabilize a number of political parties in the country,” she said.

“This so-called convention was fake. Arresting the opposition and trying to take over political parties by force seems to be their only strategy to stay in power.”

Imboela warned that the NDC would not tolerate attempts to hijack the party.

“We warn all impostors that we will not allow anyone to hijack our party,” she declared.

She said since 2021, the NDC had endured numerous attacks from the ruling party, including behind-the-scenes battles that the public was unaware of. However, she insisted the party remained resilient.

“To those behind this sham, if you are looking for a fight with me and the NDC, bring your A-game and real contenders—bring real men to the fight and not the mashed potatoes you have assembled,” she said.

Imboela added that Zambia deserved better than a ruling party that was “scared of democracy” and accused the UPND of attempting to revive a one-party political culture.

“We will not let fear and intimidation dictate our politics. The one-party participatory system ended in 1991, and the UPND needs to accept and appreciate Zambia’s choice for plural politics,” she said.

She further revealed that the NDC had successfully completed seven provincial conferences and remained on course to hold its national convention next month after concluding the remaining three provinces.

“Do not be fooled—our party’s growth cannot be stopped. Our hard work, passion, and dedication to the NDC will continue to define how we do our politics,” Imboela said.

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