The Patriotic Front (PF) party in Zambia is embroiled in a complex leadership dispute, marked by a recent High Court judgment, a subsequent appeal, and an internal Memorandum of Political Understanding (MOU) outlining potential power-sharing arrangements.

On March 27, 2026, Lusaka High Court Judge Conceptor Chinyanwa Zulu delivered a pivotal judgment that upheld the legitimacy of an extra-ordinary conference held by Miles Sampa on October 24, 2023. This ruling effectively recognized Miles Sampa, Morgan Ng’ona, and Robert Chabinga as the legitimate leadership of the Patriotic Front. The court's decision was predicated on the finding that the PF allegedly lacked a functioning Central Committee at the time the conference was convened.

However, this judgment was swiftly challenged by the Patriotic Front Secretary General, Raphael Nakacinda, who filed a Notice of Appeal and supporting affidavits on April 7, 2026. Nakacinda vehemently objects to the High Court's findings, arguing that Judge Zulu erred both in law and in fact. His appeal contends that the trial judge wrongly concluded that the PF's Central Committee had ceased to exist, asserting that this finding disregarded the party's constitution, which provides for continuity of office, internal control mechanisms, and the proper filling of vacancies.

Furthermore, Nakacinda's appeal highlights that the judge failed to consider the totality of evidence on record, including what he described as Miles Sampa’s own admissions that the meeting held on October 24, 2023, did not constitute a duly convened General Conference. He argues that the trial judge misapplied and failed to apply relevant provisions of the PF Party Constitution governing the convening of an Extraordinary General Conference, specifically by restricting her determination to Regulation 67 while excluding other applicable provisions. Nakacinda also pointed out the erroneous holding that the constitution did not provide for circumstances where both the President and Secretary General resign, and the failure to find that Sampa lacked the legal standing and authority to unilaterally convene such a conference. The appeal asserts that the court erred in finding that an Extraordinary General Conference was properly constituted without credible evidence, such as proof of delegates or attendance registers, thereby misplacing the burden of proof and narrowing the issues for determination, which occasioned a miscarriage of justice. Nakacinda maintains that allowing the judgment to stand would result in handing control of the PF to individuals not legitimately elected, thus undermining the party's internal governance.

Amidst this legal turmoil, a Memorandum of Political Understanding (MOU) was signed in March 2026 between Miles Bwalya Sampa (“MBS”) and Makebi Zulu (“MZ”), both senior political actors within the Patriotic Front Party and Pamodzi Alliance. This MOU outlines a strategic partnership aimed at fostering unity, ensuring a structured transition, mobilizing resources, and coordinating leadership in preparation for the August 2026 General Election. The Parties acknowledge the ongoing internal processes regarding party leadership and the forthcoming High Court judgment on March 27, 2026, concerning PF leadership.

The MOU, largely reflecting political intentions and good faith commitments rather than a legally enforceable commercial contract (except for confidentiality and expense reimbursement clauses), details a leadership transition framework contingent on the court's decision. If the pending court proceedings are resolved in favor of MBS, he expresses willingness to facilitate an orderly, legal, and dignified leadership transition to MZ, prioritizing party unity and electoral viability. Conversely, if the ruling is against MBS, he undertakes not to appeal the matter and to expeditiously facilitate the process of legalizing MZ as the PF & Alliance Presidential candidate for the August 2026 general elections. In this scenario, MZ undertakes to cover all costs and legal fees associated with the March 27, 2026, High Court Judgment on PF leadership, regardless of the outcome for MBS or the late Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (“ECL”) as party President.

The agreement further stipulates a framework for Central Committee continuity and power-sharing. Acknowledging prior political understandings with ECL concerning Central Committee composition, the MOU states that MZ will appoint 55% and MBS 45% of members in the reconstituted Central Committee. The Parties also agree to revise the list of office bearers at the Registrar of Societies to reflect this 55%-45% split. Significantly, MZ undertakes to immediately appoint MBS as the PF and Alliance Secretary General. Furthermore, if MZ wins the August 2026 general elections and becomes Republican President, he commits to making MBS either his running mate or the Minister of Finance. MZ also pledges to nominate two Members of Parliament recommended by MBS and appoint 20% of ministers based on MBS’s recommendations, specifically naming Hon. John Kufuna as Defense Minister and Hazel Kapata as Minister of Information (or Foreign Affairs). Additionally, MZ agrees to include 45% of names recommended by MBS in the final party list submitted to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for proportional representation of Youths, Women, and the Disabled.

Regarding the presidential campaign, if MZ is ratified as the Party and Alliance Presidential candidate for the August 2026 General Election, MBS is slated to assume the role of Campaign Manager or Co-Campaign Manager and participate at the highest strategic level of campaign decision-making. Should MBS not be the running mate, MZ undertakes to engage him in meaningful consultation regarding the selection of a Vice Presidential running mate to ensure the PF and Alliance secure majority votes across all levels of the August 2026 general election. MZ has also committed to mobilizing adequate financial and logistical resources to secure a win in intra-party elections/ratifications, sustain party operations, and conduct a competitive presidential campaign across all 10 provinces of Zambia, including provision for transport vessels, branded merchandise, and other campaign materials.

The MOU also addresses future executive considerations, with MZ expressing a political intention to appoint MBS to a senior executive portfolio of strategic national importance, namely the Ministry responsible for Finance, if MZ is elected President. This, however, is subject to constitutional processes and parliamentary ratification, explicitly stating that this clause does not create a legally enforceable entitlement. MZ also undertakes to reimburse reasonable and documented legal costs incurred by MBS in the pending legal proceedings concerning party leadership legitimacy, in the event of a successful outcome for MBS.

In a separate statement, Miles Sampa addressed criticism from some members who accuse him of weakening the party. He stated that whenever sacrifices are required, many abandon their responsibilities, leaving him to single-handedly defend and sustain the party. This sentiment underscores the deep divisions and challenges within the Patriotic Front.

As the appeal moves to the Court of Appeal, the future leadership of the Patriotic Front remains uncertain, intertwined with both legal rulings and intricate political understandings outlined in the MOU between key factions. The outcome of these processes will undoubtedly shape the party's trajectory and its performance in the upcoming August 2026 General Election.