PF GENERAL CONFERENCE SET FOR FEBRUARY AS ZULU, KAMBWILI AND LUBINDA EMERGE TOP CONTENDERS
With less than 30 days remaining, the Patriotic Front (PF) is on course to elect a new party president, following confirmation that its long-awaited elective General Conference will take place in February 2026.
Speaking in an update, PF Acting Secretary General Celestine Mukandila says final preparations for the conference are almost complete, clearing the way for a tightly contested leadership race.
The Acting Secretary General has confirmed that Lusaka-based lawyer Makebi Zulu, former Minister of Information Chishimba Kambwili, and Acting Party President Given Lubinda are the main contenders set to battle it out for the party’s top position.
He explained that the General Conference will be conducted in a hybrid format, combining physical and virtual participation, and is expected to attract about 1,200 delegates drawn from PF structures across the country.
Mukandila says other candidates, including Mporokoso MP Brian Mundubile and Lunte MP Mutotwe Kafwaya, have joined the breakaway Tonse Alliance, while Joseph Willa Mudolo and Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba are currently outside the country and may not participate.
Former Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, who has taken his campaign to grassroots structures, voted in favour of Bill 7 and is therefore not in good standing with the party.
Meanwhile, Luapula MP Chanda Katotobwe is considered the dark horse in the race, with quiet influence among party structures.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
