UPND MP Dismisses Rumours Of Defection

UPND Member of Parliament for Ikeleng’i Constituency, Elijah Muchima, has dismissed rumours that he is planning to join the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party. 

The speculation follows his sighting at a rally addressed by President Lungu in Ikeleng’i District last Friday. Social media users said he had appeared to talk favourably about the president because he was intending to join the PF.

Mr Muchima said he was merely attending the rally in his capacity as the local MP and welcomed President Lungu to his constituency to talk about development opportunities, not as a result of his politics. 

He said he had informed the UPND National Chairman Mutale Nalumango of his intention to attend, as well as the Secretary General Steven Katuka. 

Speaking on the rumours of his defection, Mr Muchima said he was dedicated to mobilising support for the UPND in his constituency and for its leader Hakainde Hichilema. 

“I am a principled man. I’m UPND through and through. I cannot ditch my party to join PF,” he said.