“No One Can Rename MMD,” Declares Party Founder Mbikusita Lewanika
Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) founder Mr. Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika has firmly stated that no individual has the authority to rename or rebrand the MMD, describing such attempts as a betrayal of Zambia’s democratic foundation.
He made the remarks when the leadership of Operation Save MMD, led by its Chairperson Hon. Gaston Sichilima, paid a courtesy call on him on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
The delegation included Mr. Dauzeni Tembo (Chairperson for Security), Mr. Charles Kaile (National Coordinator), Mr. Malambo (Lusaka Province Coordinator), and Ms. Muma (Lusaka Province Chairlady).
Hon. Sichilima said the visit followed recent controversy surrounding Dr. Nevers Mumba’s pronouncement that the MMD had been rebranded into the New Nation Party a claim that has attracted widespread criticism.
“Dr. Mumba has formed a new political party, not rebranded MMD,” Sichilima clarified. “The MMD remains a distinct and legally registered political organization. Those of us who worked under the New Hope MMD faction have now reunited under one authentic MMD.”
In his response, Mr. Mbikusita Lewanika passionately reflected on the MMD’s historic journey, reminding the delegation that the party’s roots lie in the collective will of Zambians who fought for multiparty democracy and freedom.
“No one can rename the MMD,” he said emphatically. “This party was born out of sacrifice. I personally used my own resources and even offered my house as the first MMD secretariat, which I eventually lost but I never claimed to own it.”
He warned that undermining the MMD’s existence would be equivalent to destroying Zambia’s democratic identity, adding that he remains committed to defending the party’s legacy despite retiring from active politics.
“Killing the MMD would amount to killing democracy itself,” he stressed.
Hon. Sichilima expressed gratitude for the counsel, assuring Mr. Lewanika that Operation Save MMD will continue to uphold the founding vision and protect the party’s constitutional standing.
“We will defend the MMD’s name, heritage, and purpose with unity and discipline,” Sichilima said.
The meeting marked a moment of reflection and renewal for the former ruling party as members seek to restore its integrity and relevance in Zambia’s political space.
©️ KUMWESU | November 11, 2025
Emotions sometimes can make someone mistake passion for legal standing. What exactly is the meaning of these glaring statement? “No one has the power to Change the name” Really why is that exactly?
I thought any political party through consultations with the base of members can actually amend their constitution, their name or any clause through resolution at their the legally constituted convention. Is this not the custodian of such authority.
However, if you don’t recognize the leadership there it then just becomes personal opinion which has no legal standing at all.
what really matters legally is who is officially on record to be the recognized leader and the genuinness of the convention that effected the ratifications. This is what legally matters. Everything else I am afraid is just emotional outburts.
I really don’t understand this outcry and confusion. what I am seeing legally suggests that all these emotional outbursts are misplaced and just responses of shock. Maybe also feelings of not being consulted because of self perception of being important.
But here is the beauty in strategic planning. You catch your enemies and detractors off guard and consolidated a path for success. It is also called foresighted.
Lewanika, sichilima and the whole bunch of nonentities who will never be,
we are tired of all of you. MMD as a body politic died a long time ago. What
is there now, are unidentified and or semi recognisable