THE PATRIOTIC FRONT’S UNYIELDING SPIRIT
The Patriotic Front (PF) has long stood as one of Zambia’s most influential political parties, rooted in a pro-poor ideology and deep grassroots support
However, the years between 2023 and 2026 were perhaps the most turbulent in the party’s history, defined by intense internal conflict, court battles, and repeated attempts by external forces to destabilize its core.
Despite these trials, the PF not only survived but ultimately reasserted itself as a force in Zambian politics, demonstrating the power of its foundational values and the resilience of its followers.
The PF’s internal schisms began in late 2023, when Miles Sampa—with overt State House sponsorship and security—convened an elective conference and declared himself president.
This dramatic move was interpreted as a coup against the party’s previous leader, the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The legitimacy of Sampa’s ascension was immediately questioned, and his actions triggered a wave of discontent within the party rank-and-file and leadership.
At this critical moment, Given Lubinda held the position of Acting Vice President.
He represented the mainstream PF wing loyal to the late former President Lungu and was a vocal opponent of Sampa’s self-appointment.
Lubinda’s faction responded swiftly, taking legal action to challenge the legitimacy of Sampa’s presidency.
This set the stage for a protracted period of court battles, political intrigue, and public uncertainty.
The escalating chaos and damage to party cohesion orchestrated by State House prompted Lungu to return to active politics on October 28, 2023.
Lungu’s return was an effort to restore order and re-establish the PF’s credibility, as the party’s image and operational effectiveness were rapidly declining.
However, the situation was further complicated when Robert Chabinga, initially aligned with Sampa, maneuvered with full State House support to replace Sampa as party leader.
Chabinga was soon declared the “legally recognized” president of the PF with party papers.
Chabinga’s rise was part of a wider state-sponsored strategy to divide and weaken the opposition.
By this point, the PF had splintered into three major factions: Chabinga’s faction, which was state-aligned; Sampa’s faction; and Lubinda’s faction, which was loyal to Lungu and the party’s founding ideals, resulting in the formation of the Tonse alliance to keep the PF alive.
This tripartite split led to ongoing court cases and infighting, further undermining party unity and effectiveness.
Against this backdrop, Brian Mundubile chose to leave the party’s mainstream wing, taking some followers with him to join the Tonse Alliance.
Mundubile quickly took over leadership of the PF Tonse Alliance and the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), focusing on rebuilding PF structures and rallying support.
However, skepticism remained about whether his move was another strategic ploy by the State House to further dilute PF’s influence.
Simultaneously, Lubinda opted to form the PF Pamodzi Alliance, gathering together loyalists seeking a new path forward. This faction became a focal point for those committed to the party’s original mission and values amid the confusion.
In March 2026, in search of new leadership and direction, Lubinda’s faction held an unnamed virtual convention, which resulted in Makebi Zulu’s popular election as PF president and leader of the Pamodzi Alliance, signalling a new beginning and commitment to internal democracy.
Yet, the party’s future took another unexpected turn when, in March 2026, the Lusaka High Court ruled in favour of Sampa, allowing him to dissolve the central committee, reclaim the party secretariat, and restore his presidency.
This was further evidence of State House interference through weaponised courts aimed at destabilizing the PF.
As the legal and political drama continued, PF members and the general Zambian public became increasingly vocal about the urgent need for PF factions to unite.
The realization dawned that continued infighting would only strengthen the ruling party’s position, while a unified opposition could revitalize Zambia’s democratic landscape.
Recognizing this, Mundubile’s PF Tonse Alliance and the Makebi Zulu-led PF-Pamodzi Alliance quietly negotiated a merger, culminating in the formation of a unified front.
The combined group filed their nomination as the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, which was only reviewed on nomination day, marking a watershed moment in the PF’s return to prominence.
The PF’s survival through these layered crises is a testament to its deep-seated grassroots ideology, birthed by the late former President Michael Sata.
Despite repeated legal, political, and strategic attempts to undermine its leadership, its support base remained strong, making it a long-lasting force.
For this reason, PF is compared to the “geoxyles” grass. This grass can withstand fire and drought while keeping its roots alive to regrow with water. This is because its vital growing points and root networks are protected underground, allowing it to quickly sprout new blades when it rains.
As PF regains its full force nationwide, it stands as a symbol of resilience and hope for many Zambians. The intense trials from 2023 to 2026—marked by internal divisions, legal battles, and determined opposition—have only solidified the party’s identity and rejuvenated its founding ideology of Sata through Mundubile.
As a result, the PF is not just poised to hold its ground, but is strongly positioned to bounce back into power on August 13, 2026, reaffirming its legacy as a party that rises from every challenge, ever committed to putting the needs of ordinary citizens at the heart of Zambia’s development.