PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has accused former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gary Nkombo of working with Tonse Pamozi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, and urged Mazabuka voters not to elect him as an independent parliamentary candidate. Addressing residents, the President described Mr Nkombo as "rebellious" and alleged that he previously worked with members

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PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has accused former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gary Nkombo of working with Tonse Pamozi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, and urged Mazabuka voters not to elect him as an independent parliamentary candidate.

Addressing residents, the President described Mr Nkombo as “rebellious” and alleged that he previously worked with members of the former Patriotic Front, whom he said “attacked and oppressed” UPND members while the party was in opposition.

“Nkombo kulwana ndime wakatalika kaindi (Nkombo started fighting me a long time ago). He used to drink with the people who wanted to kill me,” Mr Hichilema said.

The President alleged that Mr Nkombo became bitter after he was left out of UPND’s 2026 parliamentary adoptions and later decided to contest as an independent. He also said Mr Nkombo was removed from his ministerial position.

Mr Hichilema further claimed Mr Nkombo had a long history of defiance and failed to construct township roads during his 20 years as Mazabuka Member of Parliament.

In response, Mr Nkombo told Diamond TV that he has every right to contest as an independent candidate under Article 51 of the Constitution of Zambia.

He also refuted claims that he is working with Mr Mundubile because of the candle symbol on his campaign materials. Mr Nkombo said he did not choose the symbol, and that it was allocated by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

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