Lubinda Questions Convention Outcome as PF Wrangles Intensify

Speaking to the media, Lubinda said the convention was not conducted in the manner he and other candidates had been assured.

“The convention was not convened and managed in a manner that I was assured it would be handled,” he said.

Lubinda alleged that candidates had been promised independent monitors across all districts, but later discovered that the monitors were allegedly selected by an interested party.

“I was shocked to learn that the monitors sent around the country were chosen by the manager of the election, who himself was a preferred candidate,” he said.

He acknowledged that the outcome of the convention did not meet his expectations.

“Evidently, the convention did not produce the result that I anticipated,” Lubinda said.

Lubinda further stated that his disappointment was compounded by what he described as a lack of support from some individuals he had trusted within the party.

“Many of the people in whom I deposited total trust and confidence did not stand by me. Some who dipped in the same soup bowl with me turned against me,” he said.

He revealed that he, together with other unsuccessful candidates including Greyford Monde and Chishimba Kambwili, filed a petition outlining 16 grounds of dissatisfaction over the conduct of the convention.

According to Lubinda, the petition was dismissed without the petitioners being given an opportunity to be heard.

“The petition was heard without the petitioners. Where on earth does that happen?” he questioned.

He also challenged the declaration that the elections were free and fair, arguing that those who managed the process were the same individuals who made the final determination.

Lubinda dismissed allegations that he was holding secret meetings aimed at destabilising the party, stating that he has the right to associate freely.

The developments come amid ongoing internal disputes within the Patriotic Front (PF), with factions contesting the party’s leadership.

PF faction publicity and information chairperson Emmanuel Mwamba has maintained that Makebi Zulu is the legitimate faction president, citing his victory in the convention.

According to Mwamba, Zulu secured 49.2 percent of the vote from 110 districts, ahead of other contenders including Lubinda, Chitalu Chilufya and Chanda Katotobwe.

However, Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa has disputed the outcome, declaring himself PF president and citing a Lusaka High Court ruling, in addition to dissolving party structures.

The internal wrangles have intensified as factions continue to exchange accusations while contesting control of the party ahead of the August 13 general elections.