PF in turmoil as Lubinda fires top officials; Mpankata declares move illegal (video)

Patriotic Front (PF) Acting President, Given Lubinda, has with immediate effect removed Party Chairperson Emmanuel Mpankata and Acting Secretary General, Brenda Nyirenda, from the Central Committee.

Lubinda has also dropped Milanzi lawmaker, Melessiana Phiri, former Secretary General Davies Mwila, Northern Province Chairperson Chomba Chipili, and Lusaka Province Chairperson, Christopher Shakafuswa.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Lubinda further announced the removal of Abyud Kawangu for North-Western Province and Tombi Tombi for Western Province.

In place of Mpankata, Lubinda appointed former Mandevu lawmaker Jean Kapata as Acting National Chairperson.

He also appointed Matero lawmaker, Miles Sampa and lawyer Celestine Mukandila as Deputy Secretary General for Politics and Administration.

Earlier, Lubinda cancelled the Central Committee meeting that had been scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2025.

The meeting was expected to resolve issues regarding the venue, mode of transport, approval of the delegate register, and appointments to the electoral commission for the General Conference.

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“The decision was made in line with the provisions of Article 61(J) of the Patriotic Front (PF),” Lubinda said.

But Mpankata described the decision to remove him and others as “unfortunate, illegal and null and void.”

He argued that the PF Constitution did not not permit an Acting President to unilaterally dismiss Central Committee members, saying such decisions must be approved by the Central Committee or National Council.

Mpankata added that positions such as Chairperson, Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General cannot be dissolved or reshuffled by one individual and noted that courts had previously ruled that PF decisions made without Central Committee ratification were invalid.

“Therefore, the removed officials legally remain in office and must continue their duties as protected by the PF Constitution. Our members should stay calm as we embark on resolving this matter. This is not the time to have further divisions. Stay firm. The Constitution is on your side,” Mpankata said.

He expressed hope that the matter would be resolved internally through institutional mechanisms such as the Central Committee rather than in the public domain.

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