The Patriotic Front (PF) in Zambia is currently embroiled in a significant internal crisis, marked by open confrontation with dissenting voices and the sweeping expulsion of several senior members. This decisive crackdown targets individuals accused of gross indiscipline and participation in what the party leadership has branded an illegal Tonse Alliance General Conference. Among those affected by this purge are prominent figures such as Brian Mundubile, Stephen Kampyongo, Lukas Simumba, Francis Kapyanga, Japhen Mwakalombe, Davis Chisopa, Mutotwe Kafwaya, Melisiana Chibwe, Emmanuel Tembo, Lazarous Chungu, Abuild Kawangu, Mwila Yumba, Daniel Mwango, and Luka Monta.

Announcing the decision at a press briefing in Lusaka, PF Acting President and Central Committee Chairperson, Given Lubinda, declared that the party had reached a “defining moment” and would no longer tolerate actions that undermined its authority, constitution, and leadership. Lubinda described January as a demanding and defining period that tested the party's unity, discipline, and clarity of leadership, asserting that the PF would respond with firmness, guided by its constitution, values, and legacy. He explicitly stated that any member associating with the “breakaway illegal Tonse” would be deemed to have automatically exited their membership from the party.

The PF Central Committee, meeting on January 31, 2026, formalized these expulsions, resolving that these individuals had, by their “actions and conduct,” relinquished their party membership. This move underscores the Lubinda-led camp's unambiguous message: aligning with the Mundubile-led Tonse structure is considered political defection rather than mere dissent. The Central Committee also reiterated that the PF remains the anchor party of the Tonse Alliance, as stipulated in the alliance's constitution, which recognizes the PF's leading role in all alliance affairs. Any parallel structures or entities operating outside the recognized alliance, including the purported “ECL-PF Movement,” were declared “illegal, null and void” by Lubinda and reinforced by PF National Chairperson Jean Kapata, who stressed that only one PF exists and that all party organs must be formally registered with the Office of the Secretary General.

Hon. Lukas Simumba, one of the expelled members and Muchinga Province Youth Treasurer, stated that he had only learned about his alleged expulsion through media reports. He maintained that no formal notice had been served to him by the party leadership, emphasizing that disciplinary decisions of such magnitude should follow established internal procedures and proper, lawful communication channels. Simumba reaffirmed his commitment to the Patriotic Front, asserting that he would continue to regard himself as a loyal member until he receives official correspondence on the party’s letterhead with the necessary signatories and authority.

Beyond the expulsions, the Central Committee addressed broader alliance dynamics. It formally accepted the departure of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP), the Christian Democratic Party (CDP), and Umodzi Kumawa from the Tonse Alliance. However, the door remains open for their return should they submit to the legitimate leadership and structures of the alliance. The committee also resolved to strengthen due diligence procedures for admitting new alliance partners to safeguard unity, legality, and organizational coherence.

Internally, the PF is advancing preparations for its long-awaited General Conference, with a 10-member Electoral Commission set to begin nationwide verification of party structures on February 1, 2026. The party also resolved to re-emerge on the national stage by resuming participation in traditional ceremonies and national events like Youth Day and Women’s Day, as part of renewed grassroots mobilization and national engagement. The meeting concluded with a Tonse Alliance membership signing ceremony, seeing nine political parties and eleven civil society organizations formally joining or recommitting to the alliance. Given Lubinda concluded by reaffirming the party's commitment to discipline, unity, and protecting the legacy of Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, stating that “No amount of indiscipline will be allowed to undermine the Party or the Tonse Alliance.” This internal conflict highlights a “political war” over legitimacy, symbols, and the right to inherit Edgar Lungu’s political legacy, as Zambia approaches the 2026 elections.