The United Party for National Development (UPND) has officially lodged a complaint with the Zambia Police Service Headquarters against Patrick Tembo Banda for allegedly impersonating the party president and falsely presenting himself as the legitimate leader of the ruling party.
UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe said Mr. Banda has allegedly been masquerading as UPND president and issuing statements on social media, a move the party believes is misleading both members and the general public regarding the party’s leadership and internal processes.
Mr. Simuuwe disclosed that the complaint was lodged against Mr. Banda and members of his team, including Charles Longwe and Charles Kakula, whom he accused of participating in actions that undermine the party’s established leadership structures.
He explained that Mr. Banda previously left the UPND and only renewed his membership a few months ago, making his claims to the party presidency irregular and inconsistent with the party’s constitutional requirements.
Mr. Simuuwe further stated that Mr. Banda does not qualify to contest any party position because he has allegedly not been consistently renewing his party membership card as required by the party constitution, which outlines eligibility guidelines for aspiring leaders.
He emphasized that the UPND is guided by a structured constitution that clearly defines the democratic processes through which members ascend to leadership positions, including the presidency.
Mr. Simuuwe reaffirmed that President Hakainde Hichilema remains the duly elected UPND president and the legitimately elected Republican President of Zambia, through both party processes and the national electoral mandate.
He said the matter has now been handed over to law enforcement agencies, who are expected to investigate and handle it in accordance with the laws of the country.
Meanwhile, Mr. Banda recently declared himself Interim UPND President, claiming that the current party elections are illegal and alleging that the tenure of the National Management Committee expired in February. However, the UPND leadership has dismissed these claims as misleading and without basis.
Credit: UPND Media Team
