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A leadership dispute has emerged within the Zambia Freight Forwarders Association (ZAFFA), with businessman, Trodson Chemu, petitioning the High Court to nullify the election of John Muwowo as association president, alleging violations of the organisation’s constitution.
In his petition, Chemu has cited Muwowo as the first respondent, the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) as the second respondent, and ZAFFA itself as the third respondent.
FODEP had been contracted to conduct ZAFFA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections held on December 20, 2025.
Chemu contends that Muwowo did not qualify to contest the presidency under the association’s constitution, which requires aspirants to belong to fully paid-up member organisations, possess valid professional certification, and to have attended the two immediately preceding AGMs.
He further argued that only registered and verified members were eligible to vote.
In his affidavit supporting an ex-parte application for an interim injunction, Chemu stated that accreditation for the AGM closed on December 15, 2025, and that during this verification process it was discovered that Muwowo did not meet the eligibility requirements. He said FODEP communicated this position in writing before the election.
“I was surprised on the day of the election that the first respondent was allowed to contest despite having been advised by FODEP that he did not qualify,” Chemu stated.
He further alleged that after verified members had cast their ballots, FODEP allowed 18 individuals whose names were not on the verified register to vote — a move he said compromised the credibility of the poll and disadvantaged him.
“The election was not conducted in accordance with the constitution, particularly clause 15.2.1, which requires attendance at the immediately preceding two AGMs,” he said.
Chemu is seeking an order nullifying the December 20, 2025 presidential election, directions compelling FODEP to conduct a fresh poll in accordance with the constitution, and an injunction restraining Muwowo from performing presidential functions pending determination of the matter.
He argued that failure to grant interim relief would expose him to irreparable harm, including potential tampering with evidence and intimidation of witnesses.
The matter, filed on December 31, has been set for a scheduling conference before Justice Salasini on May 20.
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