N/West FDD leadership defects to UPND
By AARON CHIYANZO THE top leadership of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) in North Western Province has resigned and joined the United Party for National Development (UPND) with immediate effect.
And FDD vice president Chifuma Banda wished the leadership well in their future endeavours.
Mr Banda told the Daily Nation that just as the defectors joined FDD voluntarily, they were free leave voluntarily.
In a letter addressed to FDD national secretary, Nathan Mulonga, the opposition party officials explained that their resignation was based on the fact that the leadership had no vision.
They said the FDD in its current state had no direction as it was busy attacking other opposition parties while ignoring important issues.
Those who have resigned include Solwezi East constituency chairperson, Brian Malama and his vice Moses Mumena, constituency secretary Rodgers Matanda and constituency information and publicity secretary, Gibson Kalusa.
Others are Mushindamo district chairperson Wilson Kafunga, district vice chairman Moffat Nduluma and the information and publicity secretary for the district, Sylvester Musekesa.
“Today 19th February, 2018, we have decided to resign from our positions and from the party, FDD with immediate effect. There are a number of reasons that have led to our resignation and one of them is that the leadership in its current state has no direction,” the letter reads in part. The former FDD leaders stated that they were joining the opposition United Party for National Development.
Meanwhile, Mr Banda said the defectors were free to return if they found the UPND unpleasant.
He said the FDD respected people’s rights, including its members to join a political party of their choice.