Gary Nkombo Says UPND Told Him Not to Seek Adoption After Bill 7 Fallout

Mazabuka, Zambia – Independent parliamentary candidate Gary Nkombo has provided his most detailed explanation yet regarding his departure from the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), claiming that he and several other Members of Parliament were instructed not to seek adoption on the party ticket following the controversy surrounding Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7.

Speaking during his campaign, the former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development said his decision to contest as an independent candidate was not voluntary but came after party leaders allegedly advised him against applying for adoption.

“Four of us were told not to stand, not even to bother to stand. Most of us obliged,” Nkombo said.

Nkombo explained that while he did not submit an application for adoption under the UPND, he remained committed to serving the people of Mazabuka.

“I didn’t apply, which means I excluded myself from the race under the party UPND to which I belonged. But that exclusion did not stop me from existing or from answering what I believe is my calling to serve the people,” he said.

His remarks offer fresh insight into internal developments within the ruling party ahead of the upcoming elections, particularly following the heated national debate over Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7.

Nkombo is now seeking election as an independent candidate, positioning himself as a leader focused on continuing public service despite his separation from the UPND.