UPND Dismisses Former Board Chair as 'Disgruntled' over Removal

Elvis Nkandu, deputy spokesperson for the United Party for National Development (UPND), has dismissed recent criticism from Dolika Banda as the words of someone bitter about losing her position.

Ms Banda, who previously served as chairperson of ZCCM-IH, recently claimed that the nation were "angry and ready for change" ahead of the 2026 elections.

But Mr Nkandu told reporters that her criticism only emerged after she was removed from her role.

"She's very frustrated, very disgruntled and indeed very unhappy," he said. "When she held that particular position, she was not saying what she is saying now."

Mr Nkandu disputed claims that Ms Banda had voluntarily left her position, insisting she was "forced out" for being "toxic to the aspirations of the people."

"There is no way you can develop when you have people who do not toe the line of your policies," he explained.

The UPND official also questioned Ms Banda's political credentials, arguing that she lacked nationwide recognition outside the capital, Lusaka.

"Who knows Dolika in remote constituencies? No one," he said. "Lusaka is not Zambia."

Despite the criticism, Mr Nkandu expressed confidence in the UPND's prospects, pointing to recent by-election victories as evidence of continued public support.

"If the people are angry, why are they voting for this party?" he asked, adding that the government had fulfilled "80 per cent" of its campaign promises.

Ms Banda has not yet responded to the UPND's characterisation of her departure from ZCCM-IH or her motivations for criticising the government.