Sampa seeks contempt action against PF faction leader, Chabinga, in escalating power struggle

In a latest development in the Patriotic Front (PF) power struggle, Miles Sampa has approached the Lusaka High Court seeking permission to initiate contempt proceedings against PF faction leader Robert Chabinga, Secretary-General Morgan Ng’ona, and the Registrar of Societies.

The internal rift deepened after Chabinga’s controversial decision to expel former Republican President Edgar Lungu, along with Sampa, Given Lubinda, Raphael Nakachinda, Professor Nkandu Luo, and other MPs, citing “gross indiscipline.”

Sampa argued that the Registrar of Societies quickly updated official PF records, recognizing Chabinga as PF president—an action allegedly taken despite a court injunction barring Chabinga from assuming the role.

The injunction, issued by the Lusaka High Court on November 9, explicitly prohibited Chabinga from acting as PF president or performing related duties until the case was resolved.

Despite this, Chabinga reportedly held a press conference at Lusaka’s Radisson Blu Hotel, asserting his claim to PF leadership, an event that Sampa claimed openly defied the court’s order and was live-streamed on multiple media platforms.

Sampa’s application stated that Ng’ona and Chabinga were well aware of the injunction, having received notifications through social media channels.

Read More: Twist, turns in PF as Chabinga announces expulsion of Lungu, Sampa, others; reveals plans to shake up party constitution

He argued that Ng’ona’s prior court order to maintain PF’s leadership status quo demonstrated their awareness of legal boundaries, while Chabinga’s attempts to join proceedings further indicated his understanding of the restrictions.

Sampa contends that the actions of Chabinga, Ng’ona, and the Registrar of Societies disregard the court’s authority.

He claimed that the Registrar’s amendment of PF records to align with Chabinga’s faction represented a further breach of the injunction.

Now, Sampa seeks the court’s approval to initiate contempt proceedings against the trio, citing a “willful and utter disregard” for judicial authority, and arguing that their actions not only violated legal orders but also posed a direct challenge to the court’s power.

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