By PASSY HAACHIZO –
MORE than 500 defectors from the United Party for National Development (UPND) to the Patriotic Front (PF) in Central Province have accused their former party leaders of betraying them thus leaving them with no option but to leave.
UPND Chibefwa Ward chairperson Kabinda Foloko said in Mkushi yesterday when he led the 520 defectors that there was hope in the PF.
Mr Foloko, however, said he would not give further reasons as to why he and his fellow defectors had left the opposition party.
He said exposing the defects in the opposition camp at this point would only make the UPND work out modalities of enticing those that wanted to leave.
“I have decided to leave the UPND with 520 members of the Chibefwe Ward after seeing a number of challenges in our former party, but I cannot disclose for now the main reason, because if I do the opposition party will find strategies of beating us,” he said.
According to him, women and youths in the UPND had been complaining for a long time of poor leadership and accusing position holders of being selfish.
Mr Foloko said  he was still in talks with youths from the opposition party who equally felt betrayed by their leaders and wanted to join the PF.
He said about 1,200 UPND members from Itawa Ward had also indicated that they would join the PF.
“We are still having talks with about 1,200 UPND members who may join the party soon, along with us. We just have to wind up some talks with them,” he said.
Mkushi PF district chairperson Kunda Ngosa said it was clear that the youth and women from the opposition had realised the true leadership of President Edgar Lungu hence their decision to join the ruling party.
Mr Ngosa said it was worth pointing out that the PF had widened its catch and remained on course for another electoral victory in August.
He called on the youth in the district and around the country to embrace the leadership of President  Lungu and support him to victory.