NKOMBO RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S ALLEGATIONS,  URGES SUPPORTERS TO STAY FOCUSED

LUSAKA – Former Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Gary Nkombo, has publicly addressed allegations leveled against him by President Hakainde Hichilema, calling on his supporters to maintain their focus amid the escalating political tensions. The President, speaking at a recent community engagement in Mazabuka, reportedly criticized Nkombo for allegedly betraying the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and misleading the public, specifically citing Nkombo's purported lack of support for Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7. President Hichilema's remarks, as reported by ZNBC, suggested that Nkombo, despite having politically benefited from the UPND, has now turned against the party. The President further challenged Nkombo to reflect on his political journey, recalling his struggles to enter Parliament before joining the UPND. The core of the President's accusation revolves around Bill No. 7, which he stated was intended to enhance the representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This public censure from the head of state marks a significant development in the internal dynamics of the ruling party, highlighting potential rifts and differing ideological stances within its ranks. In response, Nkombo, who previously served as Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament and was dismissed as Minister in March 2025, has not directly refuted the President's claims in detail but has instead chosen to rally his base. His call for supporters to stay focused can be interpreted as an effort to de-escalate the situation while maintaining his political standing and influence, particularly in his stronghold of Mazabuka. The political landscape in Zambia often sees such public exchanges, especially as parties gear up for future electoral cycles, and the current discourse between the President and a prominent party figure like Nkombo is indicative of underlying power struggles and ideological differences. This development comes amidst a period