SAMPA BACKS HH TO WIN AUGUST POLLS

Patriotic Front (PF) faction President Miles Sampa has officially thrown his weight behind President Hakainde Hichilema's re-election bid, declaring him the "best candidate" to lead Zambia from 2026 to 2031.

The endorsement comes from a man whose political journey has taken him through nearly every corner of Zambia's political battlefield.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Sampa reflected on his turbulent political career - from being dismissed from the Bank of Zambia in 2010, to campaigning alongside his uncle, former President Michael Sata, helping the PF win power in 2011, supporting former President Edgar Lungu, later working with Hichilema in opposition, and eventually becoming PF President himself.

But after years of political battles, court cases, jumping from one alliance to another and leadership struggles, Sampa says he has now reached a conclusion.

President Hichilema deserves another five years.

According to Sampa, the PF Central Committee met on May 30 and unanimously agreed to support Hichilema's presidential bid in the August elections.

"On behalf of current bona fide members of the PF, I do hereby endorse President HH as the best candidate in the August presidential elections," Sampa said.

He was quick to clarify that neither he nor the PF had joined the UPND: "Thise who don't know the difference between endorsement and joining, fwabo," Sampa said.

Instead, he described the decision as a strategic endorsement based on what he believes has been the government's economic performance over the last five years.

Sampa pointed to increased foreign direct investment, a stronger Kwacha, lower inflation, growing Bank of Zambia reserves, free education, pension payments, road projects, increased mining activity and fiscal discipline as some of the reasons behind the endorsement.

He also praised the government's efforts to reduce political violence and cadre activities in public places.

In one of the most memorable parts of his statement, Sampa compared himself to football superstar Kylian Mbappé.

"The transfer or endorsement window is open. Mbappe is a free agent for the 2026 to 2031 season. Real Madrid (PF) is disqualified (not on the ballot). Who will he play for in the meantime?" he joked.

The PF leader said his party would now actively campaign for Hichilema's second term across the country.

The announcement marks a major political shift for a party that once governed Zambia and fiercely contested elections against the UPND.

It also comes at a difficult moment for the PF, which has been battling legal challenges, internal divisions and the aftermath of the death of former President Edgar Lungu.

Sampa acknowledged the pain surrounding Lungu's unresolved burial dispute and expressed hope that the matter would soon be resolved so that the former Head of State could finally be laid to rest.

For now, however, Sampa says his focus is on Zambia's future rather than old political rivalries.

"There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in politics," he said. "There are only permanent goals of serving the people."

JUST TO UNLOCK YOUR MIND

Sampa also clarified that "money or no money" he will support Hakainde Hichilema and heavily campaign for UPND candidate Chitambala Mwewa to win the Lusaka Mayoral race. 

What is now most interestingly is to see how the PF disputes will be handled now that both Chabinga and Sampa who call themselves PF president in their own recognition are on the UPND side. Will they come together and drop court cases? 

PF is not on the ballot due to the same country battles between Sampa and Chabinga over the PF ownership. 

Can Miles Sampa be trusted? His political decisions since 2021 have been a real definition of "pure lack of direction," - he's political decisions have been so inconsistent and poorly timed. 

[Brave Heart News  | UnlockingMinds]