Patriotic Front (PF) figurehead Given Lubinda has candidly revealed the significant financial strain he is under, personally bankrolling the party's campaign activities, including the ongoing Chawama Constituency parliamentary by-election and numerous other past by-elections. The former justice minister expressed deep frustration, stating that the PF is currently devoid of operational funds, compelling him to use his own resources to keep the party's campaigns afloat.

Lubinda elaborated on the party's internal financial woes, highlighting a recurring pattern of unfulfilled pledges. He recounted that during internal meetings, some members vocally commit to contributing substantial sums, sometimes as much as K50,000, towards campaigns. However, post-election financial reports consistently show these individuals failing to deliver on their promises, contributing not even a single kwacha to the party coffers. This financial burden, he noted, has largely fallen on him as a loyal member committed to preserving the PF amidst its internal turmoil.

The revelation comes as the PF grapples with considerable confusion and escalating leadership fights. Lubinda emphasized that the responsibility of funding the party's survival has been concentrated on a small circle of dedicated loyalists, with himself bearing the brunt of the cost. He framed this as a critical test of commitment for members during a period marked by growing factionalism within the party ranks.

In a direct challenge, Lubinda also criticized Mpika Constituency outspoken lawmaker Francis Kapyanga, accusing him of being vocal in public discourse while contributing nothing tangible towards the party's financial survival. He urged Kapyanga and other similarly positioned members to publicly disclose the exact amounts they have personally contributed to the running of the Patriotic Front.

Lubinda's comments provide a rare public insight into the PF's internal financial stress, set against a backdrop of intensifying internal disputes. Rival camps, notably aligned with Given Lubinda, Brian Mundubile, and Makebi Zulu, are vying for influence ahead of a long-delayed party convention. Senior members have concurrently warned that disunity and weak coordination are severely undermining the party’s electoral competitiveness.

This financial disclosure underscores a deeper structural challenge for the opposition party. Campaign financing is paramount under Zambia’s electoral system, particularly for by-elections which demand swift mobilization. The apparent absence of a stable funding base raises serious questions about the PF’s organizational capacity, especially as it endeavors to position itself as a credible alternative government ahead of the crucial 2026 general election. Lubinda’s admission ultimately highlights a fundamental reality: without adequate financial resources, the party machinery risks stalling, regardless of its rhetoric or potential popular support.