Crisis engulfs MDC, as former party chieftains Moyo, Mikosa defect to New Heritage Party, knock Mutati

An internal crisis has engulfed the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), leading to the former party National Chairperson, Sam Moyo, his Vice, Danny Mikosa and some party members defecting to New Heritage Party (NHP).

Moyo who led others in defecting to the NHP said the decision was in protest against treachery, lack of accountability, and failure to adhere to constitutional provisions by party president, Felix Mutati.

Speaking at a media briefing at the NHP Secretariat on Monday, Moyo said the decision came after careful consideration of key issues, including a lack of accountability within the MDC.

He accused Mutati of reshaping the MDC to suit his personal agenda by unilaterally appointing National Executive Committee members (NEC) and allegedly altering the party Constitution to centralise power, allowing him control over hiring and firing within the party.

“NEC meetings were neglected, leaving most party decisions, including financial ones, in violation of both the MDC and Zambian constitutions,” Moyo said.

He alleged that Mutati’s approach had turned the MDC into a personal “Kantemba” (small shop) and led to the unceremonious removal of senior founding NEC member and Mobilization Chairperson, Jane Mkalipi.

Moyo claimed that the MDC was founded on strong principles of constitutionalism, democratic practice and collective leadership, but that all of these were now absent.

Welcoming the new members, NHP President Chishala Kateka, promised a more consultative leadership approach, committed to unity, Christian values and Pan-African ideals.

“The influx of new members is a resounding testament to the appeal of NHP’s mission to restore Zambia’s wealth to its people,” Kateka said, pledging support for social welfare policies that prioritise the vulnerable.

Kateka also announced that Moyo had been appointed Vice President for Political Administration, Mikosa as Vice National Chairperson and Rose Banda as Deputy Secretary General.

However, MDC Media Director Edmondi Miti, dismissed Moyo’s claims, stating that the party constitution and Zambian laws were being adhered to.

Miti acknowledged the loss of members but denied that Rose Banda who was part of the defectors was appointed as Deputy Secretary-General of MDC.

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