Mundubile withdraws from PF conclave citing bad faith and intimidation

Brian Mundubile has withdrawn his participation from the Patriotic Front conclave convened by the party’s Expanded Council of Elders, citing bad faith, intimidation, and underhand manoeuvres that he says undermined the integrity of the reconciliation process.

In a public statement dated January 9, 2026, Mundubile said he initially joined the conclave despite previous personal and political setbacks within the party. He said the process was initiated to resolve prolonged leadership disputes that have divided candidates and supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Mundubile said he entered the conclave believing that all participants would set aside past grievances and injustices in order to arrive at a negotiated settlement capable of restoring confidence among Patriotic Front members and reassuring stakeholders interested in the forthcoming presidential and general elections.

He said he was prepared to endure earlier disadvantages he had suffered within the party, including the removal of individuals who supported his presidential bid from senior positions in the central committee, because he viewed the elders’ initiative as a dignified opportunity for unity.

However, Mundubile said that while the conclave was still underway, he became aware of developments that contradicted the spirit of reconciliation. He said information reached him indicating that steps were being taken to discipline and eventually expel him from the party.

According to Mundubile, the disciplinary threats were linked to his participation in a properly convened Tonse Alliance meeting which resolved, among other matters, to provisionally remove the Patriotic Front from its position as anchor party until it resolved its leadership dispute.

He also said members of his campaign team were being targeted for disciplinary action for putting in place provincial campaign structures ahead of the planned Patriotic Front conference.

Mundubile said these actions, occurring concurrently with the conclave, undermined trust and confidence among participants and threatened the intended outcome of the process. He said any conduct directed at sidelining participants during such an initiative weakened its credibility.

Following consultations with stakeholders within his presidential campaign, Mundubile said he decided to withdraw from the conclave. He said the decision was not intended to disrespect the elders who initiated the process, for whom he expressed continued respect.

He said his withdrawal was based on the view that it was inappropriate to continue participating in a process that had been compromised by conduct inconsistent with its stated objectives.

Mundubile said he remained willing to participate in any credible initiative aimed at easing tensions within the Patriotic Front, provided such a process was anchored firmly in the party constitution. He described the constitution as the ultimate guide governing the conduct of the planned general conference.

He reiterated his position that the election of the next Patriotic Front president should take place at a properly constituted party conference and said this conference must be held before the end of January 2026.

The withdrawal leaves the elders’ conclave without one of the party’s presidential contenders at a time when efforts are underway to stabilise the organisation ahead of the 2026 elections.