Gary Nkombo started fighting me a long time ago drinking with people who wanted me arrested-President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has leveled serious allegations against former Local Government Minister and long-serving Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament, Gary Nkombo, accusing him of a protracted rebellion against the United Party for National Development (UPND) and consistently defying agreed party positions. The President's remarks, which have sent ripples through Zambia's political landscape, suggest a deep-seated conflict that predates Nkombo's recent political maneuvers. This public rebuke underscores the escalating internal strife within the ruling party, particularly as the nation gears up for the 2026 general elections. The accusations by President Hichilema come at a critical juncture, following Nkombo's decision to seek re-election for the Mazabuka Central constituency as an independent candidate. Nkombo, a veteran politician who has represented the constituency since 2006, was dismissed from his ministerial portfolio in March 2025 and subsequently removed from his position as the UPND Chairperson for Elections and Campaigns. His move to contest independently, after not being adopted by the UPND, has been interpreted by many as a direct challenge to the party's authority and leadership. President Hichilema's statement specifically mentioned Nkombo's alleged association with individuals who sought the President's arrest during his time in opposition. This historical context adds a layer of personal betrayal to the political disagreement, suggesting that the President views Nkombo's actions as a long-standing pattern of disloyalty rather than a recent divergence. Such claims could significantly impact Nkombo's political standing and potentially alienate him further from the party he served for many years. The internal dynamics of the UPND are under intense scrutiny as these events unfold. The party, which swept to power in 2021 on a wave of public optimism and promises of democratic renewal, is now grappling with visible cracks in its unity. While the