The New Congress Party (NCP) in Zambia is currently experiencing a significant internal leadership crisis centered on its President, Peter Chanda. Reports of Mr. Chanda’s expulsion, publicized by Daniel Nyati who claimed the title of Vice President for Administration, have been vehemently repudiated by the Office of the President of the NCP. A press statement from the party leadership categorically dismissed Nyati’s announcement as “illegal, unconstitutional and null and void,” asserting that Mr. Peter Chanda remains the legitimately elected President and leader, and that the party’s established leadership structure remains fully intact.

The official stance of the NCP is that Mr. Nyati does not possess the position he claims within the party’s hierarchy, and therefore lacks any legitimate authority to expel any member, least of all the party president. This position was reinforced by Pastor Chanda himself in a statement to KBN TV news, where he labeled Nyati’s actions as illegal, null, and void. Pastor Chanda challenged Mr. Nyati to publicly demonstrate proof of his appointment as Vice President for Administration, an appointment which Chanda contends is not recognized within the official party structures. Furthermore, Pastor Chanda revealed that Sam Habeenzu, whom Mr. Nyati had unveiled as an NCP Vice President, is in fact an active and recognized member of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and is aspiring to contest the Chilanga seat under the ruling party’s banner.

In contrast, Mr. Nyati’s declaration of Chanda’s expulsion was reportedly based on alleged amendments to the party constitution and Chanda’s move to endorse PF presidential aspirant Makebi Zulu without the requisite approval from the party’s National Executive Committee. This unfolding dispute lays bare deep-seated divisions within the relatively small opposition party. The NCP had previously drawn attention for inviting Makebi Zulu to run for the presidency using its platform, prompting some observers to characterize the party as a potential special-purpose political vehicle within the broader Tonse opposition arrangement.

The Chanda-led office suggests that this attempted expulsion is part of a wider, concerning pattern aimed at destabilizing opposition political parties through the use of “proxy actors.” This internal strife is emerging against the backdrop of an increasingly fluid political landscape within Zambia’s opposition, particularly as the August 2026 general elections draw nearer. Numerous other political parties are also grappling with similar internal factional battles over leadership, strategic alliances, and presidential endorsements. Political analysts indicate that such internal disputes, particularly within smaller parties, often arise when these entities endeavor to reposition themselves within larger coalition politics or align with influential presidential candidates. Despite the ongoing turmoil, Pastor Chanda remains resolute, assuring the Zambian populace that the NCP is stable and remains intact under his leadership, which is officially recognized by the Registrar of Societies. He emphasized that any statements or actions by Mr. Nyati should be regarded as those of an individual acting outside the legitimate authority and structures of the party.