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The Edgar Lungu-led Patriotic Front (PF) and the faction previously aligned with Matero lawmaker, Miles Sampa have officially reconciled, with Sampa endorsing former President Lungu as the party’s 2026 presidential candidate.
The development followed Sampa’s appointment of Raphael Nakacinda as PF Secretary General—a move he said was aimed at handing the party back to Lungu.
During a joint press briefing at the PF Secretariat in Lusaka on Thursday, PF acting Vice President, Given Lubinda, also appointed Sampa as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
The event was attended by senior PF figures including Lubinda, Nakacinda, Sampa, former Mandevu MP Jean Kapata, 2021 presidential running mate Prof. Nkandu Luo, among others.
“In the last four years, I have travelled across the country listening to people’s concerns, and they’ve told me that the only person to lead the 2026 battle is Edgar Lungu. I’m officially endorsing President Lungu as our presidential candidate,” Sampa said.
He underscored the need for unity and strong leadership within the PF to reclaim power from what he described as a failing UPND government.
Sampa called on all PF members—past and present—to unite behind Lungu’s candidacy, pledging to ensure Lungu appears on the ballot in 2026. He also announced plans to resolve the party’s internal court cases amicably.
He accused the current administration of presiding over worsening corruption and economic mismanagement, resulting in widespread household poverty.
PF Vice President Lubinda welcomed Sampa’s endorsement and invoked the legacy of PF founder Michael Sata.
“Today, Sata’s spirit is at peace because this is what he always wanted for the party—peace and unity. Mike’s Sampa has shown that families may fight, but they also reconcile and emerge stronger,” Lubinda said.
Lubinda emphasized the importance of unity and strategic leadership, particularly in Parliament, where he said Sampa’s appointment would strengthen the opposition’s stance against unpopular laws.
“We need a strong team player in Parliament—someone who can rally MPs to resist manipulation. That’s why I am announcing Mike’s Sampa as Leader of the Opposition,” Lubinda declared.
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