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The Democratic Progressive Party, led by Antonio Mwanza, has taken legal action over a dispute involving the use of the acronym “DPP,” which it alleges is being unlawfully used by another political party despite being legally registered under its name.
Wilson Banda, the party’s secretary general, has sued Peter Simbaya, secretary general of the Development People’s Party, with both officials cited in their representative capacities on behalf of their respective political organisations.
In its statement of claim, the Democratic Progressive Party states that it was duly registered on August 18, 2025, under the Registrar of Societies and is officially recognised as the Democratic Progressive Party, commonly abbreviated as “DPP,” in line with its registration certificate and constitution.
The party says that since its formation, it has consistently used the name “DPP” in political mobilisation, media engagements, and public activities, thereby establishing a distinct political identity.
However, it is alleged that on November 5, 2025, the Development People’s Party was registered and subsequently began using the acronym “DPP” in its public political communications, despite the abbreviation not appearing on its certificate of registration.
The claim states that senior officials of the Development People’s Party, including party president, Kafula Mubanga, have been engaging stakeholders such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), issuing statements, and conducting political activities under the disputed acronym.
The Democratic Progressive Party, led by Mwanza, argues that “DPP” is not a general abbreviation but a legally protected identifier tied to its registered political identity, and its use by another party is misleading and improper.
It further claims that the continued use of the acronym by the Development People’s Party has created confusion among members of the public, blurred political identities, and caused reputational harm.
Efforts to resolve the matter amicably, including written communication demanding that the defendant cease using the acronym, are said to have been unsuccessful.
“The defendant has continued to use the acronym ‘DPP’ despite being notified to desist,” part of the claim states.
The Democratic Progressive Party is now seeking a court order restraining the Development People’s Party from using the acronym.
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