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In what analysts consider to be a plot to build an alliance with Zambia’s ruling party (UPND), former Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) leader, Nevers Mumba, says the party, which once governed the country, has now been renamed New Nation Party (NNP), saying the move aligns with modern political trends.
However, Operation Save MMD leader, Gunston Sichilima, has vowed to defend the MMD’s continued existence, dismissing Mumba’s move as unconstitutional.
Speaking during what he described as the MMD party conference at NASDEC Sports Complex in Lusaka on Thursday — an event attended by UPND Secretary-General Batuke Imenda — Mumba announced the new identity for the former ruling party that governed Zambia from 1991 to 2011.
“We have rebranded from MMD to NNP, to align ourselves with the values of unity, integrity and progress,” Mumba said, adding that the transformation was “not just a change of name but a change of purpose.”
He explained that the rebranding was driven by a desire to build “a new political culture that puts Zambia first,” and confirmed that the NNP would not field a presidential candidate in 2026, but would instead support the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and focus on national development policies while preparing for future leadership participation.
In a swift reaction, Sichilima distanced the MMD from Mumba’s new party, saying there was “no association whatsoever” between the two.
“Operation Save MMD was established with the sole purpose of protecting, restoring, and returning the MMD to its rightful place in Zambia’s political history — as the movement that delivered democracy and national transformation,” he said.
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“Today marks a significant moment and the beginning of better days for our party,” he said.
Sichilima further argued that Mumba’s constitutional ten-year tenure as MMD president expired in 2022, rendering any further claim to the office “unconstitutional and illegal.”
“What took place at NASDEC was, therefore, not an MMD convention, but rather the launch of a new political party, which he has named the NNP,” Sichilima stated.
“While we wish Dr. Mumba well in his new political journey, it must be clearly stated that he is no longer a member of the MMD,” he said.
He urged MMD members across the country to remain calm, adding that Operation Save MMD would soon convene a national consultative meeting to chart the roadmap toward a genuine and inclusive MMD convention, ensuring that “the voice of every member will be heard.”
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