Uncertainty continues to grip the Patriotic Front (PF) as fresh developments emerge over its presidential candidature ahead of the August 2026 general elections.
Former Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya has paid the K100,000 presidential nomination fee to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), signaling his intention to contest for the presidency under the PF ticket.
Dr. Chilufya, who recently lost in intra-party elections won by Makebi Zulu at a convention held under a “no-party-name” arrangement, appears to be making a fresh bid despite the unresolved leadership wrangles within the former ruling party.
According to a letter addressed to the ECZ by PF Deputy Secretary General Edwin Lifwekelo and seen by Zambian Eye, Dr. Chilufya has been adopted as the party’s presidential candidate.
The move adds another layer of complexity to the PF’s ongoing fragmentation, with the party now split into multiple factions. These include a faction linked to Miles Sampa, under whom Lifwekelo serves; the PF-Pamodzi Alliance aligned to Makebi Zulu; the Tonse Alliance led by Brian Mundubile; and another grouping associated with Robert Chabinga, also known as “Lugwalo.”
Following news of Dr Chilufya’s nomination fee payment, some of his opponents within the opposition ranks accused him of being part of a ruling party-backed strategy, commonly referred to in local political discourse as “imingalato,” suggesting alleged indirect support from the United Party for National Development (UPND).
By press time, Miles Sampa, who appointed Lifwekelo as Deputy Secretary General, had not issued any official comment on the development.
The latest twist underscores the deep divisions within the PF, raising further questions about which faction, if any, will ultimately field a recognised candidate under the party’s banner in the forthcoming elections.