By Brian Matambo | 9 February 2026

The Patriotic Front has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to abandon ongoing court processes and re-engage in dialogue to resolve the prolonged funeral and burial impasse of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, warning that the continued delay is setting a “dangerous precedent” for the nation.

In a statement issued by the party’s Chairperson for Information and Publicity, Emmanuel Mwamba, the PF expressed concern that eight months after President Lungu’s death in Pretoria, South Africa, his remains have not been laid to rest. The party appealed for renewed negotiations that respect the wishes of the Lungu family, arguing that the late president deserves dignity and honour in death after serving Zambia for seven years.

On internal party matters, the PF announced that members endorsing or joining presidential candidates outside the party will be treated as defectors. Provincial and district structures have been directed to immediately replace such individuals, particularly those holding leadership positions, as the party prepares its delegates’ list for the forthcoming General Conference. This process, the party said, will be coordinated through the office of the Acting Secretary General, Celestine Mukandila.

The party also confirmed that a consent judgment matter relating to the ownership of the PF is scheduled to be heard before the Lusaka High Court on 25 February 2026. PF leadership expressed hope that the case would bring final clarity to the dispute.

Despite ongoing legal and political challenges, the PF reiterated that its General Conference will proceed before the end of February 2026. According to the statement, the party’s Electoral Commission has made significant progress, with eligible delegates already being contacted, in a process aimed at producing a credible and democratically elected party leader.

Concerns were further raised by presidential hopefuls over the failure by former Acting Secretary General Brenda Nyirenda-Chisopa to hand over administrative and financial records and party assets. The candidates urged the leadership to resolve the matter urgently to avoid delays in conference preparations.
On alliance politics, the PF reaffirmed that the only legitimate Tonse Alliance is the one established by the late President Lungu, with leadership vested in PF Acting President Given Lubinda and Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda. Any parallel grouping purporting to operate under the Tonse Alliance name was described as fraudulent and illegal.

Internationally, the PF disclosed that it has reported the Zambian government to Southern African Development Community and the Africa Bar Association, citing alleged attacks on democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. The party said it would continue engaging regional and international bodies over what it described as threats to the integrity of Zambia’s 2026 General Elections.

In closing, the PF leadership called on members to remain calm and loyal, emphasizing its commitment to defending the legacies of former presidents Michael Chilufya Sata and Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and to offering Zambians what it termed credible alternative leadership.