Sunday Chanda, Chabinga Defect to UPND

Patriotic Front (PF) Kanchibiya Member of ParliamentSunday Chandaand Mafinga lawmakerRobert Chabingahave defected to theUnited Party for National Development(UPND). Chanda, a former PF media director, was previously known for his strong criticism of the ruling party prior to PresidentHakainde Hichilema’s election victory. However, in 2022, he shifted from being a critic to supporting government policies.

Chabinga has been aligned with the ruling party since 2023, when he was appointed Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Speaking during a public engagement in Nakonde where President Hichilema met UPND members, Chanda announced his decision to join the ruling party, citing the President’s leadership style. “If there was a person President Hichilema was supposed to beat when he became president, it’s me because I used to criticise him harshly.

But he told me that I didn’t know what I was doing and told me to work with him,” Chanda said. He added that his decision to work with the President had contributed to development in his constituency. Chanda also announced that eight councillors from Kanchibiya Constituency had defected with him to the UPND.

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“I have eight councillors as MP here, these eight councillors are all coming with me to UPND. No one is remaining behind. What Kanchibiya is today is not what it was five years ago,” he said.

He attributed development in the area to his collaboration with the Head of State. Meanwhile, Isoka Member of Parliament Majorie Nakaponda also defected to the ruling party along with 57 councillors, mayors, and council chairpersons. President Hichilema welcomed the defectors, stating that he held no resentment despite past criticism.

“Sunday Chanda, my young brother used to talk a lot back then but I told him let’s work together. I like your talent and we are working well,” he said.

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