KATIMA MULILO – The National Democratic Party (NDP) has defended its president, Martin Lukato Lukato, following allegations that he runs the organisation as a ‘one-man show’ and acts like an autocrat. Speaking at a media conference here on Monday, NDP deputy president for operations David Mwilima Mwilima said the party noted recent allegations by its... The post NDP stands by Lukato appeared first on New Era .
KATIMA MULILO – The National Democratic Party (NDP) has defended its president, Martin Lukato Lukato, following allegations that he runs the organisation as a ‘one-man show’ and acts like an autocrat.
Speaking at a media conference here on Monday, NDP deputy president for operations David Mwilima Mwilima said the party noted recent allegations by its former secretary general, Alex Linyando, that Lukato has turned the formation into a solitary operation.
“These allegations are regrettable, misleading, and clearly intended to tarnish the reputation of the president, the deputy president for administration, finance and marketing, Brave Zita Ndopu, and the good name of the National Democratic Party,” Mwilima said.
He added that it was “unfortunate for certain individuals to pursue personal agendas through public attacks rather than constructive internal dialogue.”
“The NDP leadership categorically rejects the accusations. The party is committed to democratic principles, collective leadership, transparency and accountability. Every significant decision taken by leadership has been guided strictly by the party constitution and national interests,” he said.
He added that instead of celebrating the NDP’s progress, some members have resorted to spreading false narratives designed to discredit those who sacrificed immensely to build the party from the ground up.
He noted that because the party is still being established, it is unfair and misleading to frame ongoing organisational development as evidence of dictatorship or a lack of democracy.
He urged members to exercise discipline, maintain unity, and address grievances through established constitutional channels and reiterated that the party is focused on serving the people and fulfilling its mandate.
NDP national spokesperson Rasboom Mwemba called the accusations unfounded and misleading.
“It is not true that the president is using his office to dictate decisions within the party. We were surprised to read these reports in the print media. A financial report will be provided in due course,” Mwemba said.
Touching on the extraordinary congress originally slated for March 2026, Mwemba explained that the party faced a financial crisis, prompting a resolution to postpone the event.
It was also announced that three party members were expelled from the organisation.
Those dismissed are the SG, Linyando, Allen Mwilima and Obrien Lisulo.
Lukato stated that they were fired for “non-performance and failing to carry out party directives.”
Lukato also presented certificates to 18 party members honoured for their “outstanding character, integrity, and positive influence.”
-Nampa
The post NDP stands by Lukato appeared first on New Era.
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