- NRPUP says Dag MP duly settled for as leader of opposition
MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
NATIONAL Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) says Dag Hammarskjöld Member of Parliament (MP) Ezra Tembo is the duly settled for Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, contrary to assertions that his Shiwang’andu counterpart, Stephen Kampyongo, was selected for the position.
Party secretary-general Nonde Mubanga said in a statement that the binding decision in favour of Mr Tembo was made during a legitimately convened meeting of 34 NRPUP parliamentarians early this month.
Mr Mubanga said the decision was proposed by Luanshya MP Golden Mulenga, seconded by Nyimba North law-maker Paul Lungu and his Chembe counterpart, Kasongo Chomba.
“Today’s [yesterday] meeting cannot unilaterally overturn a prior collective decision made by the 34 MPs,” he said.
Mr Mubanga urged the public, media, and office of the Speaker to disregard the circulated misleading report.
He said the official position recognising Mr Tembo, who is NRPUP president, as Leader of Opposition stands firm, adding that the nomination letter was submitted to National Assembly of Zambia.
Efforts to get a comment from Mr Kampyongo failed by press time.
Election of presiding officers for the 14th National Assembly is scheduled for this Friday.
President Hakainde Hichilema is on October 9, 2026 set to officially open the first session of the 14th National Assembly, where he is expected to outline Government’s policy direction and priorities for the 2026 /2027 period.
Clerk of National Assembly Loveness Mayaka said the ceremonial opening will take place at Parliament Buildings.
Ms Mayaka said during the ceremonial opening, Mr Hichilema will deliver an address outlining Government’s policy direction and priorities, after which MPs will debate the pronouncements contained in the address. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
