UPND’s Longwe Calls Sampa Conduct ‘Ungrateful’ Amid PF Divisions

**Lusaka, Zambia** – The political landscape in Zambia continues to simmer with inter-party commentary, as a prominent member of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), Mr. Longwe, has publicly lambasted the conduct of Mr. Miles Sampa, describing it as "ungrateful." This pointed criticism, first reported by the Lusaka Times, arrives amidst the ongoing, deeply entrenched leadership struggles within the main opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party, signaling the ruling party's keen observation of the disarray plaguing its rivals. Longwe's remarks are not merely an isolated statement but rather a calculated intervention, underscoring the UPND's readiness to leverage internal divisions within the PF to its strategic advantage, thereby projecting an image of stability and unity within its own ranks. Mr. Sampa, a nephew to former President Edgar Lungu, has been at the epicentre of a protracted and acrimonious battle for the PF's presidency, a contest that has seen the party splinter into factions, each claiming legitimacy. The 'ungrateful' label from a UPND official, while seemingly personal, carries significant political weight, especially in a culture where respect for elders and party loyalty are highly valued. This commentary from the ruling party is particularly potent as it taps into public sentiment regarding perceived disloyalty or opportunism, potentially further eroding public trust in the PF's leadership contenders. Historically, Zambian politics has been rife with such internal power struggles, particularly within opposition parties post-electoral defeat, and the current PF imbroglio is a classic illustration of this recurring pattern. The UPND's decision to comment on Sampa's conduct, through Mr. Longwe, serves multiple strategic objectives. Firstly, it aims to exacerbate the existing cracks within the PF, making it harder for the opposition to coalesce into a formidable challenge ahead of future elections. By highlighting internal strife, th