Christian Democratic Party (CDP) president, Danny Pule, has been warned by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court to ensure his appearance on February 2, 2026, or risk a bench warrant. Pule failed to attend court on Friday, where he was scheduled to open his defence in a case of seditious practices. His defence team cited illness as the reason for his absence. Presiding Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya-Okoh adjourned the matter, sternly cautioning against further non-appearance. Previously, on December 12, 2025, Pule indicated he would call over 30 witnesses. The charges against him stem from remarks made at a United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) press briefing on May 8, 2024, where he allegedly accused the government of favouring specific regions—Southern, North-Western, and Western provinces—in public appointments, statements the State argues could promote hostility.

Amidst these legal troubles, Pule has also been at the center of political controversy, claiming his faction had expelled the Patriotic Front (PF) from the Tonse Alliance, which he leads. However, Patriotic Front Acting President Given Lubinda rejected these assertions, stating the meeting that purported to expel the PF was irregularly called and lacked his authority as Acting Chairperson of Tonse. Lubinda had called for a Council of Leaders of Tonse Alliance meeting to be held after the by-elections. Despite this, Dr. Pule and Zumani Zimba have pressed ahead with their plans, announcing a K50,000 nomination fee for candidates. This has drawn opposition, with Zambia Must Prosper Party (ZMP) leader Kelvin Fube Bwalya refusing to participate in what he termed