294 Views…UPND Cadres Block Him From Filing Nomination Papers Lusaka mayoral aspirant Chitambala Mwewa has dramatically pulled out of the 2026 Lusaka Mayoral race saying he has chosen peace over political confrontation after violent scenes erupted at the Lusaka Civic Centre where UPND cadres blocked him from filing in his nomination papers. The dramatic development […]

294 Views…UPND Cadres Block Him From Filing Nomination Papers

Chitambala Mwewa

Kettie Nanyangwe

Lusaka mayoral aspirant Chitambala Mwewa has dramatically pulled out of the 2026 Lusaka Mayoral race saying he has chosen peace over political confrontation after violent scenes erupted at the Lusaka Civic Centre where UPND cadres blocked him from filing in his nomination papers.

The dramatic development has exposed deep divisions within the ruling UPND over the adoption process for the Lusaka mayoral position ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections.

Hundreds of UPND cadres camped at the Civic Centre Thursday and openly resisted Mwewa’s attempt to file his nomination papers, insisting that the party only recognised former Deputy Mayor Kettie Nanyangwe as the preferred candidate.

The situation became tense after it emerged that both Nanyangwe and Mwewa were in possession of adoption certificates from the ruling party, creating confusion at the nomination centre.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) was eventually forced to temporarily suspend the filing process as tensions escalated and fears of violence grew.

The standoff came just days after UPND constituency structures in Lusaka reportedly ranked Nanyangwe as their preferred candidate for Lusaka Mayor following internal primary adoption processes.

Mwewa, however, had continued pushing his bid and had publicly indicated that under UPND rules, constituency recommendations did not automatically amount to final adoption since the National Management Committee (NMC) retained final authority.

But following Thursday’s chaotic scenes, Mwewa announced this evening that he was stepping aside.

In an emotional statement posted on social media, Mwewa said he had received his adoption certificate in the presence of senior party officials but had now decided to withdraw after receiving threats and noticing growing tensions.

“I received my adoption certificate in the presence of all senior party officials on 20th May, 2026,” Mwewa wrote.

“I’d like to thank President Hakainde Hichilema for his support throughout this process, however, there is an undercurrent of violence that will erupt if I insist on filing my documents.”

Mwewa further alleged that the resistance against his candidature was linked to attempts to conceal corruption at Lusaka City Council.

“The threats I am receiving are because of an attempt to cover up the massive corruption at Lusaka City Council,” he stated.

“After consulting with my family and the Party, I have decided to step aside and not participate in this year’s elections. I love Lusaka forever.”

The withdrawal now effectively clears the way for Kettie Nanyangwe to proceed as the likely UPND candidate for Lusaka Mayor.

The incident is expected to raise further questions about internal democracy, parallel adoption certificates and growing factional tensions within the ruling party as nominations close across the country.

It also comes amid increasing reports of violence and disputes surrounding adoption processes in several constituencies where aspiring candidates and their supporters have accused party officials of manipulating adoptions.

So far, the UPND has witnessed multiple internal disputes involving ministers, MPs and council chairperson aspirants, with some disgruntled members opting to stand as Independent candidates after being left out.