PF Not Ready for 2026, Mwila Asserts
Former Patriotic Front secretary general Davies Mwila has maintained that the former ruling party has no path back to national power and described its current state as a collapse that cannot be reversed. Speaking during an interview covered in the Sunday Times of Zambia, Mwila asserted that internal divisions, prolonged leadership disputes and prolonged organisational strain have eroded the party’s credibility and capacity to function as a coherent political force.
Mwila argued that the party’s troubles stem from decisions made after the 2021 general election, which he said weakened structures, created rifts among senior members and exposed long-standing disagreements about direction and leadership. He noted that the PF had failed to reconcile contending groups within the party and that repeated efforts to reorganise its national structures had not succeeded. According to his remarks, this internal environment had created uncertainty that discouraged committed members from participating fully.
The former secretary general also stated that the PF’s attempts to revive grassroots mobilisation had not produced visible results. He said the absence of a unified message and disputes over who should lead the party have created a situation that leaves members unsure of the party’s future. Mwila added that prolonged disciplinary conflicts and contested leadership positions had weakened confidence among supporters who once regarded the party as a stable alternative.
In discussing the national picture, Mwila said the political environment had shifted significantly since the PF left office. He explained that the party’s organisational challenges, combined with public sentiment shaped by the 2021 defeat, have made rebuilding efforts more difficult. He noted that the party had lost ground in several provinces where it once held strong local structures and that attempts to regain influence have been slow.
Mwila emphasised that without decisive reorganisation, clear leadership and a unifying programme, the PF would continue to struggle. He argued that the party’s disagreements have overshadowed its ability to articulate a consistent political agenda and that prolonged infighting has left members uncertain about their roles. He further said the situation has opened space for newer voices and alternative movements to attract attention among voters who previously supported the PF.
In his remarks, Mwila questioned whether the party could recover before the 2026 elections, given the current disputes surrounding its leadership and direction. He maintained that the PF had not addressed what he described as the root causes of its decline, including organisational weaknesses that were visible even when the party was in government. The comments reflect a broader debate within the party about the pace and credibility of its rebuilding efforts.
His interview has drawn attention because it comes at a time when the PF is still attempting to stabilise its internal structures. Senior members have been involved in ongoing discussions about leadership positions, the role of the central committee and the state of provincial structures. Mwila’s remarks underscore the extent of disagreement among past and present figures regarding the party’s future.
Party members reacting to his comments have pointed to the ongoing reorganisation process and argued that the PF remains stronger than suggested. They said the party has continued with mobilisation and is working to address internal issues in preparation for the next electoral cycle. However, Mwila maintained that the challenges were deeper than public statements acknowledge.
As the debate continues, Mwila’s remarks highlight the internal questions confronting a party still navigating its post-government identity. With the 2026 election cycle approaching, the PF’s ability to stabilise its leadership and rebuild confidence will remain central to assessing whether it can regain relevance. For now, Mwila insists the internal fractures remain unresolved and continues to hold the view that the party is no longer positioned to operate as a competitive national force.
The same Mwila who appears very uncoordinated in his brain, in one breath he viciously attacks his party colleagues publicly on TV, and in the same breath at the end of the same interview after attacking his colleagues, he calls for Unity in the party. How does that work aini?
No , there is no……. for PF
The late ECL left a mess of the once mighty PF and the country…….
The country is recovering, but PF is a goner……..
FWD2041
After the death of our dear king cobra, a culture of confusion came in. Go through what the following at one time or another said and did the pf. Gbm, ck, miles,sampa and kalaba, but all them still went back and enjoined. Mwila has not even said much as compared to what ck, gbm , kalab and sampa had said. Its their culture and tradition now
Sort out loadshedding and the highest cost of living in living memory. The cost of living which you brought upon us in 2021, now that solutions have eluded you, you start saying hunger is biblical. Find solutions. Those are our priorities for now, and not these constitutional issues.
Why not stick to the topic? We are all feeling the pinch. Your post is confusing. It is as if you are appealing to Mwila to sort out what you have highlighted.
I think that while Mr Mwila has pointed out the challenges facing the PF. the leaders in place have said the reorganising is underway. To an indeoendent orbsever and one who wants to see a strong democracy in Zambia the two observations are welcome. 1. Identifcation of the weaknesses 2.Proceed to address the weakneses. So as to whether the party will be in a position to mount a strong showing in the 2026 general elections .it is a matter of oppinion but one that should not deter the PF from pulling the internal strings together and reorganise.