Ezra Tembo is duly settled opposition leader in Parley – NRPUP OPPOSITION National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) has rejected reports that its Members of Parliament have elected Shiwang’andu MP Stephen Kampyongo as Leader of the Opposition, insisting that the position remains occupied by party leader Ezra Tembo. The party said a decision […]

Ezra Tembo is duly settled opposition leader in Parley – NRPUP

OPPOSITION National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) has rejected reports that its Members of Parliament have elected Shiwang’andu MP Stephen Kampyongo as Leader of the Opposition, insisting that the position remains occupied by party leader Ezra Tembo.

The party said a decision to recognize Tembo as Leader of the Opposition was already made by 34 NRPUP MPs during a meeting held at Palmwood Lodge on September 3, 2026.

According to the NRPUP media and communications secretariat, the decision was proposed by Luanshya lawmaker Golden Mulenga and seconded by Nyimba North lawmaker Paul Lungu and Chembe lawmaker Chomba Kasongo.

The party explained that the earlier decision cannot be unilaterally overturned by another meeting

“Hon. Ezra Tembo is the duly settled Leader of the Opposition,” the party said in a statement.

NRPUP was responding to reports on social media that MPs had selected Kampyongo as Leader of the Opposition during a parliamentary caucus meeting held at Palmwood Lodge on September 27

A report published on September 27 said the MPs had elected Kampyongo to the position and cited Article 74(2) of the Constitution, which provides for the opposition party with the largest number of seats in the National Assembly to elect a Leader of the Opposition.

But NRPUP clarified its official position of recognizing Tembo remains unchanged and that a nomination letter has already been submitted to the National Assembly.

The party has therefore urged the public, media and Office of the Speaker to disregard reports announcing Kampyongo as Leader of the Opposition.

“NRPUP remains anchored on party discipline and constitutional adherence,” the party said.

Kampyongo, who represents Shiwang’andu, is listed by the National Assembly as an NRPUP Member of Parliament and currently sits on the back bench.

The dispute comes amid wider internal disagreements within NRPUP, with earlier reports also pointing to disagreements over the party’s parliamentary representation and internal administration.

NRPUP emphasized that the position it recognizes as the official leadership of the opposition in Parliament is therefore that of Ezra Tembo.

Kalemba September 28, 2026