Patriotic Front (PF) presidential candidate Willah Mudolo has accepted his appointment to the party’s central committee by Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa.
In a statement, Mudolo said the announcement of the new Central Committee was not intended as retaliation against members who attended the so-called “No Name Convention,” stating that those colleagues are not enemies.
“The decision is a principled step, guided by the need to uphold order, legality, and a process that will set a proper precedent for generations to come,” Mudolo said.
He cited the March 27 judgment delivered by Judge Conceptor Zulu, which recognised Sampa as the legitimate acting president of the PF. Mudolo noted that any transition within the party must begin under Sampa’s leadership.
“Following the judgment, Hon. Miles Sampa became the legitimate acting president. Any genuine transition process must therefore begin with him presiding in that lawful capacity as we prepare for a legitimate convention,” Mudolo stated.
Mudolo further emphasised that the party intends to resolve its internal matters politically and amicably, while remaining respectful of ongoing court appeals, including one filed by faction secretary general Raphael Nakacinda.
He also reaffirmed his status as a PF presidential candidate, stating that the forthcoming extraordinary convention will be conducted legally and provide a credible platform for leadership decisions.
On the other hand, Sampa recently invoked Articles 60 and 61 of the PF constitution to dissolve the central committee and all provincial leadership, accusing some members of working to undermine the party from within.
He said certain individuals were advancing agendas aimed at weakening the PF and creating parallel political structures, further deepening divisions in the former ruling party.
Sampa has since appointed new provincial chairpersons, including Omah Munsanje for Southern Province, Emmanuel Meleki for North-Western Province, Simon Lwando for Luapula Province, Petronella Nkumbula for Northern Province, Joseph Makukula for Eastern Province, Billy Sichamba for Central Province, and Crispin Kabole for Lusaka Province.
He also appointed Charity Katongo as national vice chairperson and Edwin Lifwekelo as deputy secretary general for politics, while leaving several key positions vacant pending further consultations.
Lusaka Province Youth chairperson Papa Gunase has also been elevated to the Central Committee alongside Mudolo, who is based in South Africa.
Meanwhile, PF faction publicity and information chairperson Emmanuel Mwamba has urged the public to dismiss Sampa’s pronouncements, instead recognising Makebi Zulu as the duly elected PF president.
Separately, Mafinga Member of Parliament Robert Chabinga has also laid claim to leadership of the PF.
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