The Patriotic Front claims that 70 opposition UPND members in Sioma district of Western Province yesterday defected to the ruling party.

In a statement, PF media director Sunday Chanda stated that the defectors joined the ruling party because it was serious about bringing development even in areas where it was not voted for.

“Patriotic Front Secretary General Hon Davies Mwila has welcomed 70 defectors from the opposition UPND in Sioma District, Western province. The defectors said they have come to see that the ruling party was serious about development and have hailed His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as a leader who is committed to taking development to all parts of the country, including areas where he received the minimum of votes,” stated Chanda.

“And speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mrs Kakumbo Imbola, former UPND Nawashi Ward Secretary said they had resolved to join the PF because they were interested in politics of development, unity and visionary leadership as demonstrated by President Lungu.

And Chanda stated that Mwila instructed structures to recruit more members because PF had the best manifesto.

“Hon Mwila in welcoming the defectors said that as secretary general, he was interested in the party’s numerical growth. He has since instructed the structures to go flat out and recruit new members,” said Chanda.