LUSAKA, April 7, 2026 — Miles Sampa has dissolved the Patriotic Front’s Central Committee and all provincial leadership structures, announcing a sweeping internal reset anchored on a recent High Court ruling that he says confirms his position as party president.
The decision, unveiled during a press briefing in Lusaka, represents one of the most far-reaching restructures within the former ruling party since the court judgement delivered on March 27, 2026. Sampa said his actions are grounded in the party constitution and reinforced by the ruling, which he maintains validated his leadership following the disputed October 2023 conference.
He told journalists that his position remains legally intact despite an ongoing appeal by Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda, stating that the judgement stands unless overturned by the Court of Appeal.
Sampa confirmed that the entire Central Committee has been dissolved with immediate effect. He extended the decision to all provincial chairpersons, effectively clearing the party’s leadership architecture at both national and regional levels. He described the move as a constitutional reset aimed at aligning the party with what he called the “legal PF” following the High Court ruling, adding that the restructuring is intended to restore order, strengthen internal coordination and prepare the party for future political contests.
The Patriotic Front has faced sustained internal disputes since losing power in 2021, with competing leadership claims and court cases shaping its direction. Sampa framed the latest actions as a decisive intervention to stabilise the party, arguing that prolonged uncertainty had weakened organisational coherence and slowed political mobilisation.
Following the dissolution, Sampa outlined a new leadership direction, confirming that fresh appointments are being made at both provincial and national levels, with some positions still under consultation. He said the restructuring would prioritise grassroots mobilisation and organisational discipline, particularly at constituency and district level, where he believes the party must rebuild its strength.
At the national level, he confirmed that a new Central Committee will be constituted within constitutional limits, emphasising that the structure will remain capped in line with party rules. He said additional appointments would follow consultations with key stakeholders and party figures, including those who participated in earlier leadership processes.
Sampa anchored his authority on the March 27 High Court judgement, which he said affirmed the legitimacy of his election at the October 24, 2023 conference. He maintained that multiple court processes had been pursued around the same issue and that the latest ruling settled the matter in his favour. He acknowledged that the ruling has been challenged but insisted that it remains binding for now, describing the legal process as ongoing while emphasising that his leadership decisions are based on the current legal position.
He acknowledged ongoing tensions within the Patriotic Front, stating that some members have resisted his leadership and continue to pursue alternative political strategies. He accused certain factions of attempting to weaken the party’s structures, arguing that their actions are aimed at undermining the Patriotic Front rather than strengthening it.
Despite this, Sampa said his approach remains open to engagement, noting that consultations are ongoing with various stakeholders. He said the objective is to bring together different factions under a unified structure capable of competing effectively, while maintaining adherence to the party’s constitutional framework.
On the party’s position within the PF-Pamodzi alliance, Sampa confirmed that the Patriotic Front remains the anchor of the grouping. He said that although his position as party president would ordinarily place him at the head of the alliance, he intends to support Given Lubinda to assume a leading role within the alliance structure. He said the decision is informed by continuity considerations and respect for existing leadership arrangements, adding that he is prepared to play a supporting role to strengthen the alliance.
He emphasised that the alliance will collectively determine its presidential candidate, with the Patriotic Front participating as a key stakeholder. He said the focus is on building a coordinated front that can operate effectively within the broader political environment.
A recurring theme in Sampa’s address was the need to ensure the Patriotic Front remains competitive and present on the ballot in future elections. He said his actions are driven by the objective of securing the party’s participation and relevance, arguing that internal restructuring is necessary to position the party effectively.
Sampa described the ongoing legal battles as part of a broader effort to defend the party’s existence and ensure it remains a viable political force. He urged members to remain committed, rejecting claims that the Patriotic Front is weakened beyond recovery, and said the party has endured sustained challenges over the past three years but continues to operate and reorganise.
The developments come as the Court of Appeal prepares to consider the challenge filed by Raphael Nakacinda, which seeks to overturn the High Court ruling that Sampa is relying on. The outcome of that appeal will be critical in determining the legal standing of the current leadership and the validity of the restructuring measures now underway.
During the briefing, Sampa also disclosed that he had recently been hospitalised due to food poisoning, describing the condition as severe but stating that he has since recovered. He said he could not confirm the cause of the illness but thanked medical personnel who attended to him.
The Patriotic Front now enters a new phase defined by restructuring on one side and legal scrutiny on the other. The dissolution of existing structures and the formation of a new leadership framework signal a shift in how the party will operate in the coming months, while the pending appeal ensures that the final determination of leadership authority remains before the courts.
Jokers….Politics 24/7….
Kushipafye.
Party of infighting and cheap politicking 24/7 .If they can’t save themselves from self destruction how can they lead Zambia to the promised land?
Mr. Sampa has repeatedly demonstrated his unreliability, characterized by extreme decision making, poor alliances, and a lack of national interest (to be fair, many politicians can be accused of the latter). He entered into a deceitful agreement with the UPND to undermine the opposition, only to later regret that decision. Is he now reverting to his default state of unpredictability or grappling with conflicting loyalties (perhaps once again with the UPND)?
Is it only me who thinks Sampa has some serious mental issues…he doesn’t sound coherent
No wonder his uncle never made him full cabinet minister