The internal power struggle within Zambia’s Patriotic Front (PF) intensified significantly following a landmark decision by the Kabwe High Court. Yesterday, the court issued an injunction that effectively blocked the Given Lubinda-led faction from proceeding with its highly anticipated elective convention, plunging the former ruling party into further legal turmoil and raising serious questions about its eligibility to participate in future elections.

In a ruling handed down on January 27, 2026, High Court Judge Kelvin Limbani granted an injunction in favor of the rival Robert Chabinga-led faction. This judicial intervention immediately froze the planned February 13, 2026 elective convention and explicitly restrained the Lubinda camp and its agents from acting in the name of the Patriotic Front. The decision has dramatically altered the balance of power within the party, escalating a protracted factional standoff that has been ongoing for several months.

Judge Limbani’s rationale for the injunction was detailed and clear. He determined that the matter warranted urgent protection and did not necessitate a full trial at that stage, citing that the Chabinga faction had successfully demonstrated a "clear right deserving of protection."

Furthermore, the judge found that the issues presented constituted a serious question requiring comprehensive judicial determination. The court underscored the potential for significant harm if both factions were permitted to operate simultaneously and in parallel, leading to further internal chaos and institutional damage.

The ruling specifically highlighted the irreparable injury that could arise if the Lubinda-led group proceeded with its convention. This included the risk of unlawful occupation of the PF secretariat, unauthorized use of the party’s official materials and symbols, and the holding of an elective conference whose legitimacy would almost certainly be challenged, thereby undermining the democratic process within the party.

Judge Limbani unequivocally stated, “The balance of convenience tilts in favour of granting the injunction,” thus imposing strict restraints on the Lubinda faction and its representatives, prohibiting them from convening meetings, occupying party premises, or presenting themselves as the legitimate leadership of the PF until the underlying legal dispute is fully resolved.

Addressing concerns about potential overlaps with other ongoing legal proceedings, Judge Limbani specifically considered similar matters before the Lusaka High Court. These included a judicial review under Cause No. 2025/HP/0137, where Miles Bwalya Sampa is challenging the Registrar of Societies’ decision concerning alterations to the PF’s list of office bearers, as well as another leadership-related action.

However, the judge dismissed arguments that these cases barred the Kabwe matter, asserting that the Lusaka disputes involved distinct parties, different causes of action, and sought different reliefs. He stressed that his decision did not amount to an abuse of the court process.

Judge Limbani further affirmed the transparency of the proceedings, stating, “I find that the plaintiff did not fail in its duty to make a full, fair and accurate disclosure of all material facts to the court.” He also noted that any party convinced of overlapping issues remained free to make an appropriate application before the Court. The legal action in Kabwe was initiated by PF faction secretary general Morgan N’gona, who cited Brenda Nyirenda in her capacity as the acting secretary general of the Lubinda-led faction, making her the specific respondent in this pivotal court case.