Former UPND member and Mazabuka Central aspiring independent candidate Gary G. Nkombo has officially resigned from the United Party for National Development (UPND), citing legal requirements for independent candidates and what he describes as a hostile environment within the party.
In a resignation letter dated May 22, 2026 and addressed to the UPND Secretary General, Mr. Nkombo stated that the law requires any person intending to contest parliamentary elections as an independent candidate to resign from their political party at least 60 days before the election.
Mr. Nkombo said that despite his longstanding loyalty and commitment to the UPND, a series of events leading up to May 20, 2026 convinced him that he was no longer welcome in the party. He alleged that he had been subjected to assault resulting in bodily harm and that his property had been damaged by individuals he identified as well-known UPND members.
According to Mr. Nkombo, the incidents left him with no alternative but to sever ties with the party and pursue his political ambitions outside its structures.
He said it was with regret that he was resigning from the UPND, a party he has served in various capacities since February 2001.
Mr. Nkombo also expressed gratitude to the party’s membership and leadership for the opportunity to serve over the years, wishing his former colleagues well and God’s blessings in their future endeavours.
A copy of the resignation letter was also addressed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).