Liswaniso says Gary Nkombo’s treatment should warn UPND members against defying party directives
UPND National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso says the party’s handling of former Local Government minister Gary Nkombo should serve as a warning to members that no individual is bigger than the ruling party.
Lusaka, 26 May – Speaking on Diamond TV on Sunday, Liswaniso said Nkombo’s troubles within the party stemmed from his alleged decision to defy UPND directives, including failing to support Bill 7 and later contesting as an independent candidate after not being adopted by the party.
Liswaniso said party discipline was critical to maintaining unity and authority within the UPND, adding that members who ignored directives risked being sidelined regardless of their seniority or contribution to the party.
He said Nkombo himself had acknowledged being placed at a “dumpsite”, describing the situation as a lesson to ministers, permanent secretaries and other senior officials that loyalty and obedience to party decisions were expected from all members.
“No one is bigger than UPND,” Liswaniso said, adding that members should respect President Hakainde Hichilema’s directives and decisions made by party leadership.
Liswaniso disclosed that several senior party figures had also been asked by President Hichilema not to contest in the upcoming elections, among them Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe, Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba, Education Minister Douglas Syakalima, Ketty Nanyangwe and Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai.
According to Liswaniso, those approached by the party leadership complied without resistance because they understood the “bigger picture”.
He said Ketty Nanyangwe agreed to withdraw after being assured she would later be appointed as a member of parliament, and was subsequently given an adoption certificate within 24 hours.
Liswaniso argued that party members must accept decisions whether they personally agreed with them or not, warning that indiscipline could weaken the UPND in the same way independent candidates weakened the Patriotic Front.
He said the party had adopted a clear position that members who were not adopted should not stand as independents, insisting that Nkombo had been aware of the resolution when it was made.
“The principle was that if you are not adopted and you are a true member of UPND, you should not contest as an independent,” Liswaniso said.
He further stated that candidate adoption was not based on popularity alone, but also considered loyalty and discipline.
Liswaniso acknowledged that the UPND had made mistakes in some constituencies during the adoption process but maintained that the party had “done well” in about 80 per cent of the selections made across the country.
He also revealed that the party often keeps alternative candidates on standby in case a preferred candidate fails to file nominations or other complications arise.
Despite the internal tensions surrounding adoptions, Liswaniso said President Hichilema continued to enjoy strong support among young people and would return after the August elections to continue leading the country.
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