Lusaka, Zambia – Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Hon. Raphael Nakachinda has formally welcomed former Director General of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), Hon. Victor Nyasulu, into the PF family, describing him as a man of integrity who resisted UPND’s pressure to act against his conscience and professional values. 

Speaking at the PF Secretariat before members of the Central Committee, Members of Parliament, and grassroots leaders, Nakachinda used the event to rally party members to begin preparations for the 2026 elections, warning that the ruling UPND is plotting to manipulate the polls through intimidation and technology. 

“We have to put systems in place to account for every action as we prepare for 2026,” Nakachinda said. “The UPND is planning to use violence and technology to manipulate the vote. As PF, our duty is to defend the ballot for the sake of our children, and for the future of this country.” 

Nakachinda reminded members that political struggle often comes with consequences, including arrests and imprisonment, but said this should not deter true PF cadres. “If you are not prepared to go to the cells for standing up for what is right, then you are not ready to be a PF cadre. For myself, if it means going to prison for defending democracy, I will count it an honor,” he said to applause. 

The Secretary General declared that the PF remains strong in leadership, unity, and resolve, and that when the time comes, the party will present a credible presidential candidate without fear or panic. “We are not bankrupt in leadership, we are not stranded. Leaders are there, and at the right time, Zambians will choose from among them. For now, the focus is on mobilizing and defending our democracy,” Nakachinda said. 

Turning to the state of governance under the UPND, Nakachinda accused the ruling party of brutality and selective justice. He pointed out that many PF members had been persecuted “for simply owning a car or a house,” while those accused of genuine corruption within UPND continue to be shielded. 

It was in this context that he introduced Hon. Victor Nyasulu to the PF ranks, praising him as a man who refused to compromise his values when pressured by the UPND. “Our comrade was victimized for standing up for what is right. Instead of succumbing, he chose principle. Today, we welcome him into the PF family, not only as a brother but as a professional whose expertise and acumen will contribute to the movement of the people and to the government-in-waiting,” Nakachinda declared. 

Taking the floor, Hon. Nyasulu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed his belief that the PF remains the only true people’s movement capable of rescuing Zambia from economic mismanagement and authoritarian tendencies. He thanked the PF for standing firm through persecution and offered condolences to the party on the death of its late leader, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. 

“I commend you for standing strong despite intimidation and victimization. I join you today because I know the PF is the only party that has delivered for Zambia before and can deliver again. I am ready to contribute my skills and experience to this great family,” Nyasulu said. 

The gathering concluded with renewed calls for vigilance, grassroots mobilization, and unity as the PF positions itself as the true defender of multiparty democracy in Zambia.