Africa-Press – Zambia. MMD party loyalists say they want sweeping changes in the party’s top brass and have called on president Nevers Mumba to step aside. Leader of Operation Save Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) Gunston Sichilima said plans for the party’s convention must be expedited and a new leader elected.
Mr Sichilima who was speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday alleged that Dr Mumba’s tenure expired on May 25, 2022 and no one should go round with the mantle of leader before the convention is held.
“ We are aware that Dr Nevers Mumba has been bragging during his meetings with party officials that the court cases which are currently running involving him and others on party leadership wrangles and the contempt of court are not going anywhere,” he said.
He said that it was only the highest organ at the convention that the amendments of the party constitution could be changed. He also warned the UPND of entertaining Dr Mumba’s overtures of wanting to work with the ruling party.
Mr Sichilima said Dr Mumba was the only leader under MMD who had never held a convention where new leaders could be ushered into office. And Rev Silvia Nawa the immediate past national mobilisation chairperson under Dr Mumba’s faction said MMD was not for auction to the highest bidder.
Rev Nawa said the party was a movement whose tenets were embedded in its party constitution. She said members had the right to demand for what was enshrined in the party constitution and Dr Mumba had no right to drag the party into any alliance with any party.
When contacted for comment to address some of the accusations raised against him Dr Mumba referred the Sunday Times to the national spokesperson. “That is an old story but let the national party spokesperson respond to you,” he said. The spokesperson Cephas Mukuka said Mr Sichilma’s concerns lacked merit and verity.
“What is he talking about? We held a convention last year. Our next is slated for 2026 and this is too early to start talking of 2026. and for your information the MMd has had a historical working relationship with UPND for a long time.
“Sichilima must face reality and accept Dr Mumba as our president. Besides, Sichilima is not even our member,” Dr Mukuka added.
For More News And Analysis About Zambia Follow Africa-Press
