Intrigues in ruling UPND, as man claiming leadership says he founded party, but faces threat of legal action

The escalating power struggle within the United Party for National Development (UPND) has taken a dramatic turn, with Patrick Banda positioning himself as the party’s original founder and legitimate leader—claims now colliding with threats of legal action from the party’s top leadership. Banda, who recently declared himself leader of the governing party, frames his actions as an attempt to “restore order and legality” within what he describes as a disoriented leadership structure. His narrative hinges on a historic claim: that the UPND exists because he and three others conceived and founded it in 1998.

“The UPND came into existence because I formed it myself… I am the founding and last of the four surviving members who mooted the idea of the UPND,” Banda asserted. He identifies the founding group as including Justine Mweene, Grayson Njobvu, and Maxwell Lufungulwa, with himself serving as National Trustee. Banda insists he has long participated in party activities, even contesting a parliamentary seat under the UPND banner.

“For your own information, UPND is my brainchild. I am the author and founder of UPND,” he said, later adding that he had appointed Charles Longwe as Secretary General as part of what he calls a leadership reconstitution process. Despite internal hostility, Banda insists his position is anchored in truth:“Whether they are angry or not angry, the truth is what matters… what I’ve given out is nothing but the truth.” But within the official party structure, Banda’s assertions are being dismissed as illegal and dangerous.

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Mark Simuuwe says the UPND is preparing legal action, directing members to report Banda to the police for impersonation. “Banda’s actions of taking over a legitimate organization are an offense,” Simuuwe said, adding that the party remained committed to resolving the matter through lawful channels and warning that Banda “would be arrested.” A deeper crisis emerges: Longwe takes UPND to court The dispute surrounding Banda comes against a broader backdrop of internal dissatisfaction. In March 2026, Longwe—now appointed by Banda in his parallel structure—took the party to court, accusing its leadership of overstaying their mandate.

In a case filed in the Lusaka High Court, Longwe sued official UPND Secretary-General Batuke Imenda, seeking orders to suspend current office bearers and compel the ruling party to conduct overdue internal elections. Longwe cites guidance from the Registrar of Societies, which requires political parties to hold regular elections. Failure to comply, he warns, could expose the UPND to deregistration. He argues that the UPND has not held mandatory elections across its structures, creating a leadership without lawful mandate.

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