THOMAS SIPALO PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT FOR UPND MANDEVU CANDIDATE

Munali Member of Parliament Thomas Sipalo has thrown his full weight behind Adrian Banda, the United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate for the crucial Mandevu Constituency parliamentary by-election slated for November 5. Mr Sipalo, widely known by his popular moniker 'Diffikoti', personally accompanied Mr Banda during the official filing of nomination papers, sending a strong signal of solidarity from within the ruling party structures. Speaking to party cadres and local media following the nomination process, Mr Sipalo commended Mr Banda's political background and grassroots experience, describing him as entirely equal to the legislative task ahead. The Munali lawmaker emphasized that the ruling party is coalescing into a unified force to ensure a resounding victory, noting that solidifying urban constituencies like Mandevu remains a key strategic priority for President Hakainde Hichilema's administration. The endorsement comes at a time when political mobilization in Lusaka's densely populated townships has intensified. Mr Banda, a seasoned local figure who previously served as a civic leader in the area, secured the ruling party's adoption following a competitive internal selection process. Party officials have repeatedly called for unity among local structures to counter opposition narratives and secure a decisive mandate at the polls. For Mr Sipalo, who transitioned from his prominent career in comedy and civil activism into frontline electoral politics, active participation in constituency campaigns underscores his alignment with the broader UPND mobilization strategy. His public backing is viewed by political analysts as an effort to consolidate intra-party cohesion and project a united front across Lusaka district ahead of the watershed polling date. Local governance observers note that the Mandevu by-election carries significant symbolic weight for both the ruling party and various opposition factions seeking to test urban sentiment. As ca