“There is only one Patriotic Front,” – Chabinga

“There is only one Patriotic Front,” – Chabinga

Patriotic Front (PF) faction Acting President Robert Chabinga has reaffirmed that the former ruling party remains one unified political organisation under a single, legally recognised leadership. Addressing party members and the media in Lusaka, he said claims of rival leadership structures were baseless and intended to destabilise the party ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Chabinga stressed that the PF is duly registered with the Registrar of Societies under one recognised leadership and that any individuals declaring themselves as alternative office-bearers are acting outside both the law and the party’s constitution. He said the PF’s immediate mission is to restore discipline, rebuild grassroots structures, and re-energise its national appeal rather than be consumed by internal quarrels.

“There is only one Patriotic Front,” Chabinga stated. “It is registered with the Registrar of Societies under the current leadership. Those claiming to lead other versions of the PF are misleading the public and violating party rules. Our focus is unity and renewal, not division.”

He explained that the central committee has launched a nationwide reorganisation programme across all ten provinces, aimed at reviving constituency and district structures, re-establishing contact with the grassroots, and recruiting new members who believe in the party’s founding principles.

According to Chabinga, the exercise is already bearing fruit, with coordinators and mobilisation teams deployed in several areas to strengthen internal cohesion. “Our party has gone through difficult seasons since 2021, but we are standing tall again,” he said. “Our strength is in our people, and our people are returning because they know the PF still stands for development, jobs, and service.”

He said the PF’s goal for 2026 is to present itself as a credible and organised opposition ready to govern again. Those spreading confusion, he warned, were only weakening democracy and indirectly helping the ruling UPND. “We cannot afford distractions,” he said. “Our eyes are fixed on 2026, and that requires discipline and a united voice.”

The PF President also warned that the party will not tolerate impersonation or unauthorised communication issued on its behalf. He said all official statements must come through the PF Secretariat and its designated spokespersons.

“We have seen individuals posting fake letters and statements on social media using the PF name,” he said. “Such behaviour is dishonest and punishable under our regulations. Anyone who continues to impersonate PF officials will face disciplinary action and possible prosecution.”

He added that impersonation and misinformation are being used to create a false picture of disorder within the opposition, but genuine members know the truth. “The PF is guided by its constitution,” he said. “Leadership comes through proper structures, not through Facebook posts or self-appointments.”

Chabinga reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation, saying divisions can only be healed through dialogue and mutual respect. He disclosed that the central committee is already engaging senior figures and former officials to bring them back into the fold.

“This party belongs to all who sacrificed for it,” he said. “We are extending our hand to every genuine member who wants to contribute positively. But reconciliation must come with respect for the constitution and lawful authority.”

He emphasised that the PF’s door remains open to those who may have disagreed with its leadership, provided they acknowledge the legitimate structure. “Unity cannot be forced, but it can be nurtured,” he said. “Our duty is to rebuild, not exclude. The PF will rise again if we remember why it was formed  to serve the people.”

On legality, Chabinga reiterated that the PF remains duly registered with the Registrar of Societies, noting that leadership changes earlier this year were completed in line with national law. “The records are clear,” he said. “The PF is legally recognised and continues to function as one entity. There are no rival registrations or duplicates.”

He urged members to focus on substantive political work instead of arguments about legitimacy. “The court of public opinion will judge us by our actions, not our quarrels,” he said. “We must show maturity, organisation, and discipline as we prepare to return to government.”

Chabinga called on PF members to practice issue-based politics and uphold the party’s image in their communities. “The people are watching,” he said. “Zambians are looking for a credible alternative that understands governance and development. Let us show them that the PF remains that option.”

He reminded members that the opposition’s duty is to provide checks and balances, not public disputes. “We owe it to our members and to the nation to conduct ourselves responsibly. The PF has a legacy of infrastructure development and community empowerment. We must build on that foundation.”

Chabinga ended by urging members to stop “trading insults” on social media and instead focus on mobilisation at the grassroots. “The PF will not rebuild itself on Facebook,” he said. “It will rebuild itself in the townships, the compounds, and the villages where the people live and where our message still matters.”

His remarks drew applause from party supporters who attended the Lusaka event, many of whom welcomed his firm stance on legality and unity. The declaration comes amid ongoing speculation about the party’s internal cohesion after months of rival claims to leadership.

With Chabinga’s assertion of legitimacy, the Patriotic Front appears determined to close ranks, project a unified image, and position itself as a disciplined opposition force ready for the next general election.