By CHINOYI CHIPULU
United Party for National Development (UPND) says Patriotic Front should stop playing politics of self-deceit by faking defectors from other political parties.
UPND Luanshya Central Constituency Chairman Othro Sinkala said that faking defectors will not help redeem PF’s lost victory.
He said in a statement that UPND has denied news going round those officials from Buntungwa ward in Luanshya defected to the ruling party.
“We would like to categorically dispute the purported defections of the UPND ward officials in Butungwa ward of Luanshya Central Constituency. PF are trying to hoodwink and deceive self by faking defections,” Mr Sinkala said.
Mr Sinkala said PF’s fast dwindling popularity as evidenced by the recent reception their party leader, President Edgar Lungu received in Mufulira and Kitwe is what has infuriated them to resort to faking defections.
“PF must not live and pride themselves in fake defections which will not help redeem them from the impending election defeat come August 12. The PF should accept the fact that their fortunes in the Province are gone as Copperbelt is no longer their stronghold, “he said.
He said only one official from the opposition defected after being enticed with money.
“Let it be known that PF are using its corrupt schemes, they paid all the people who were paraded as defectors. This is a very shameful act by the ruling party that seem not to learn from past leaders like Rupiah Banda of the MMD who used the same schemes but ended in an embarrassing defeat.
“This desperation won’t salvage the PF lost glory in Luanshya and Copperbelt province in general. The UPND in Luanshya is as solid as a rock as it is fast gaining popularity on the ground,” he said.
Mr Sinkala said PF should concentrate on finding solutions to the unprecedented high youth unemployment, pay retirees and tell the nation why Innocent Zambians were being gassed and by who.
He said UPND is ready to deliver the much needed change come 12th August, 2021.
