Chitambala Mwewa withdraws from Lusaka race citing threats and tensions
Lusaka mayoral hopeful Chitambala Mwewa has withdrawn from this year’s elections, saying rising tensions and threats of violence surrounding his candidature risked undermining public peace and stability.
Lusaka, 21 May – In a statement issued on Thursday, Mwewa said he had decided not to file his nomination papers after consultations with his family, supporters and party leadership.
The decision comes just days after he received his adoption certificate in the presence of senior party officials on 20 May 2026.
Mwewa thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for what he described as support and guidance throughout the adoption process.
However, he said the political environment had become increasingly hostile in recent days, with what he termed an “undercurrent of violence and tension” emerging around his planned participation in the elections.
Mwewa alleged that he had received threats and intimidation from individuals he claimed were seeking to conceal “massive corruption” within the operations of the Lusaka City Council.
He did not provide specific details of the alleged corruption or identify those behind the threats.
“This decision has not been made out of fear, but out of my commitment to peace, stability, and the unity of our people,” Mwewa said in the statement.
“No political office is worth the loss of life or the breakdown of public order.”
Mwewa also expressed gratitude to Lusaka residents who had supported his vision for what he described as a cleaner, more transparent and accountable city administration.
Despite stepping aside from the race, he said his commitment to advocating for truth and good governance remained unchanged.
The statement was issued by George N. Mtonga on behalf of Mwewa’s campaign team.
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