Former Mazabuka Member of Parliament Gary Nkombo has officially resigned from the United Party for National Development, citing an alleged assault by party members and his decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections.
In a resignation letter dated May 22, 2026, addressed to UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda, Nkombo stated that he was compelled to leave the ruling party in order to meet the constitutional requirements for contesting as an independent candidate.
Nkombo explained that incidents which occurred on May 20, 2026, involving what he described as “assault occasioning actual bodily harm and damage to my property” allegedly perpetrated by “well-known UPND members,” made him feel unwelcome within the party.
The former minister said the events left him with no alternative but to sever ties with the party.
“This has left me with no option, other than to cut my losses,” Nkombo wrote in the letter.
He reflected on his long association with the UPND, noting that he had served the party in various capacities since February 2001. Despite his departure, he wished the party well and expressed gratitude for the years spent serving under its banner.
“I wish the party good tidings and God’s blessings,” he stated.
A copy of the resignation letter was also forwarded to the Electoral Commission of Zambia as part of the process related to his independent candidacy.
Nkombo, who previously served as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, is now seeking election as an independent candidate, marking a significant political shift after more than two decades of association with the ruling party.
He has done well to leave such a violent mapatizya formula party
Welcome to the winning team musaa. You were always green at heart.
He should stay and not allow the party to move away from its origonal manifesto
More than one realises would support him
Now he is really finished. Perhaps he wants to go back to the MMD he was clinging on to become Mazabuka MP long ago.