Patriotic Front expels President Miles Sampa

The Patriotic Front (PF) has expelled its chairman, Miles Sampa. The decision was taken by the PF Central Committee and confirmed by PF Secretary General Morgan Ng’ona at a press conference in Lusaka.

Mr Ngona cited Mr Sampa’s expulsion for his links with the United Kwacha Alliance leadership and his alleged tendency to take unilateral decisions without the approval of the Patriotic Front’s central committee.

Mr Ngona said: “Mr Sampa was expelled because of his consistent disregard for party protocol and independent decision-making, which undermined the unity and integrity of the party.”

Following Mr Sampa’s expulsion, the RPF Central Committee has appointed Robert Chabinga, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, as the party’s Acting Chairman. Mr Chabinga has assured that he will continue to serve as Leader of the Opposition despite his new role.

“All recent decisions made by Mr Sampa, including the appointment of Kalurushi MP Kampamba Mulenga, are null and void,” Mr Chapinga declared. “Our priority is to restore order and ensure all actions are in line with the directives of the Central Committee.”

Meanwhile, Miles Sampa responded to the expulsions on his Facebook page, refuting the CCC’s decision and criticising their actions. “After they failed to get a court injunction, they got drunk and started making dreamy statements – haha. I appointed them a few months ago, they thanked me but now can’t stand the appointment being revoked. Their crazy rants should be ignored,” Sampa posted.

The RPF’s internal conflict comes at an important moment for the party as it undergoes a leadership change and strives to remain cohesive in the face of future political challenges.