Zambian politics are experiencing intense maneuvering as the 2026 general election draws near, marked by significant internal strife within the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party and a broader push for opposition unity. Hon. Miles Sampa, asserting his leadership of the PF based on Lusaka High Court rulings and records at the Registrar of Societies following an extraordinary general conference in October 2023, has made an urgent call for various opposition leaders to set aside their differences and collaborate.

Sampa emphasized that a divided opposition risks handing victory to the incumbents and stressed that collaboration remains the only viable path to mounting a strong electoral challenge against the ruling UPND. In a remarkable declaration, Sampa stated his willingness to prioritize national interest over his personal claim to the PF presidency. He indicated that he is prepared to “make way for others” if his current legal status as PF President becomes a “stumbling block” to a broader opposition victory, underscoring his commitment to “service” over “seat” for a better Zambia.

Furthermore, Sampa reaffirmed his respect for party officials appointed under former President Edgar Lungu and noted that he would continue consulting senior members to ensure stability and unity within the party. He voiced concern over what he termed delays in handling matters related to Lungu’s passing, advocating for the former president’s family to have the final say. Despite internal divisions, Sampa declared the PF’s resilience, stating, “The PF has never died, the PF is not dead, and the PF will never die,” while cautioning against individuals he accused of attempting to undermine the party.

However, these assertions from Sampa are met with strong counter-arguments regarding the legitimacy of recent leadership transitions within the PF. A purported “hybrid” or virtual convention has been described as a “prototype of political desperation” rather than a constitutional process, as the PF Party Constitution requires strict adherence to established protocols for leadership changes. A critical legal impediment is the Kabwe High Court injunction issued in January 2026, which, according to critics, renders any gathering held in defiance of this standing court order a legal liability, not a legitimate convention.

Claims of electing a leader, such as Makebi Zulu, through processes that bypass the authentic General Council and established party structures are deemed “sham” outcomes, built on sand without legal standing. The perspective from another faction maintains that Given Lubinda remains the Acting President of the authentic PF faction precisely because these “hybrid” events failed to meet the threshold of a legitimate handover. This view confirms that attempts to circumvent the leadership left by Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL) have failed, reinforcing that the PF is a registered political entity with a constitution that does not recognize “prototypes” or illegitimate virtual conferences. Until a convention is held that respects the Kabwe High Court’s standing and the party’s own internal laws, the leadership established by Edgar Chagwa Lungu is considered the only legitimate custodian of the party’s soul.

The ongoing leadership disputes, involving various factions including those led by Robert Chabinga and Miles Sampa, highlight the complex challenges in forging a united opposition. With the opposition currently fragmented into alliances such as the Tonse Alliance, the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), and the PF Pamodzi Alliance, Sampa’s invitation for unity and his willingness to make personal sacrifices suggest a potential, albeit complicated, shift in the balance of power ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 general election.