Nkombo Remains Loyal to HH and will Not Seek Presidency

Former Local Government Minister and UPND stalwart Gary Nkombo laid to rest on Wednesday any speculation that he was planning to break rank and challenge President Hakainde Hichilema for the party’s nomination for next year’s presidential election.

The Mazabuka MP stressed the unity of the party, and was clearly frustrated by the baseless speculation which was brought about by anonymous individuals purporting to be him sharing these falsehoods online.

Such deception, Mr Nkombo, surmised, can only be the work of the UPND’s opponents who seek to damage faith in the party and its exemplary record of unity and teamwork – which stands in stark contrast to the chaotic manoeuvrings of the splintered PF leadership.

The former minister shared that he has reported the impersonations to Zambia Police in the hope that those responsible might be exposed and face justice.

Mr Nkobmo was emphatic: there is no truth to this speculation, and he has no intentions to run for the presidency.

“I must indicate firmly that I am a bona fide member of the UPND with no intention whatsoever to walk away from a party that I was part of building. Those intentions have never been there, and I am very certain they are not going to be in the future. This is the work of the enemies of the UPND”, he said.

Acknowledging that this malicious hearsay was probably provoked by rumours about Nkobmo’s damaged relationship with President Hichilema following his dismissal in March, he went on the record to say that this is also not true. Nkombo remains loyal to HH.

“Mr Hichilema remains my older brother and my friend. I have a mouth to speak for myself; I have never said anything of that sort. The President also has a mouth to speak for himself; he has never said anything of that sort. So, our books our fine”, the former minister insisted.

The UPND remains united and under consolidated leadership as we approach the 2026 elections, the efforts of shadowy operators to undermine this image do no appear to have worked.