The Patriotic Front (PF) party is currently embroiled in significant internal wrangles, a situation exemplified by Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda’s decisive disciplinary action against Member of the Central Committee (MCC) Miles Sampa Mwila. In a letter dated September 9, 2025, Nakacinda accused Mwila of undermining party unity and violating constitutional provisions. The allegations stem from an unauthorized trip to South Africa, purportedly undertaken by Mwila in collaboration with other senior party officials and some provincial chairpersons, with the alleged purpose of identifying a candidate and soliciting funds outside the party’s established structures.

Nakacinda elaborated that Mwila’s conduct amounted to a violation of several provisions of the PF constitution. These included breaching party rules, bringing the party into disrepute, acting disrespectfully towards its leadership, and engaging in activities deemed against the party’s interest. Consequently, Mwila was requested to show cause within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him, highlighting the party’s stern stance on adherence to internal protocols.

The fallout from these internal conflicts has reverberated through allied political circles. Apostle Hector Soondo, president of the United for Better Zambia (UBZ) Party, has publicly demanded that the PF leadership extend its disciplinary net further. He called for action against other Members of the Central Committee (MCCs) who are reportedly planning to attend an “illegal” meeting organized by opposition figures Sean Tembo and Chris Zumani Zimba. Soondo described any attendance by PF MCCs at such a gathering as an act of insubordination.

Apostle Soondo firmly argued that allowing PF MCCs to undermine the secretary general’s directive by legitimizing an unauthorized meeting would be detrimental. He stressed that for the sake of discipline and party order, any member who attends this meeting must face suspension. Soondo warned that participation in such gatherings would erode party authority, exacerbate confusion within the Tonse Alliance, encourage factionalism, and ultimately jeopardize the PF’s crucial preparations for the 2026 general elections. He cautioned that a failure to act decisively would send a dangerous signal that rules can be broken with impunity, thereby weakening the PF’s credibility both within the Tonse Alliance and before the Zambian public.

Beyond the immediate disciplinary actions, deeper cracks within the Tonse Alliance are being exposed by other prominent figures. Sean Tembo, who serves as the Tonse spokesperson and PEP president, has been unequivocal in his long-held argument that the PF cannot claim automatic ownership of the alliance ticket. He points to the Tonse constitution, insisting that leadership must be chosen collectively, a statement that directly challenges prevailing assumptions and highlights internal discord that many PF leaders prefer to ignore.

Adding another layer of complexity to the party’s woes is Robert Chabinga, who asserts his claim as the rightful PF leader, a position he states is recognized by the Registrar of Societies. Chabinga has issued a clear threat to stop any PF convention that attempts to sideline him. This warning carries significant weight for a party already grappling with numerous court cases, further compounding its legal and leadership challenges.

The Tonse Alliance itself finds itself in a precarious state, having been largely built upon the candidacy of Edgar Lungu. His passing has left the alliance “wobbling,” creating a vacuum that the PF seeks to fill by maintaining the