Sampa faction says Patriotic Front will not contest Zambia’s presidential race

LUSAKA – In a significant political development, the faction of the Patriotic Front (PF) led by Matero Member of Parliament, Miles Sampa, has declared its intention to abstain from fielding a presidential candidate in the upcoming 2026 general election. The announcement, made at a press briefing in Lusaka, signals a strategic shift aimed at prioritising internal party rejuvenation over immediate electoral ambitions for the nation's highest office. Mr. Sampa's faction, which has been embroiled in a protracted leadership dispute with the faction loyal to former President Edgar Lungu, stated that the decision was reached after extensive internal consultations. The primary objective, according to the faction, is to dedicate the next two years to rebuilding the party's grassroots structures, fostering unity among its members, and redefining its political agenda. This period of introspection and reorganisation is deemed essential for the PF to emerge as a formidable force in future elections. The Patriotic Front, once the dominant political party in Zambia, lost power to the United Party for National Development (UPND) in the 2021 general elections. Since then, it has been plagued by internal divisions, leadership wrangles, and a struggle to articulate a coherent opposition narrative. The decision by the Sampa faction to forgo the 2026 presidential race underscores the depth of these challenges and the perceived need for a fundamental overhaul before attempting to reclaim the presidency. Political analysts suggest that this move, if consistently pursued, could either provide the PF with the much-needed space to heal its internal rifts or further fragment the party, depending on how other factions react. It also opens up the political landscape for other opposition parties, potentially allowing them to consolidate their positions without the immediate pressure of a unified PF presidential challenge. The focus on rebuilding could involve extensive provincial tours, membe