THE Resolute Party is embroiled in a leadership crisis after its interim president and Secretary General Alex Katepu and party president Martin Phiri expelled each other within 48 hours.
The Resolute Party is a member of the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, from which Makebi Zulu was selected as the running mate.
In a letter dated August 2, 2026, and signed by Katepu, the Resolute Party announced the immediate expulsion of Dr Phiri from the party after he publicly endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema.
“Following a review of your recent conduct and actions, and in my capacity as interim president and Secretary General of the Resolute Party, I hereby notify you of your immediate expulsion from the Resolute Party. This decision has been reached on the basis that, in the party’s assessment, you have fundamentally betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in you by the membership of the Resolute Party and our partners in the PF Pamodzi Alliance. The party further takes the position that you have acted in a manner that advances the interests of President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND in disregard of the party’s official position and alliance commitments. The party considers this conduct to have irreparably undermined its confidence in your continued membership,” stated Katepu.
He classified the conduct as gross misconduct, disloyalty to the party, and conduct prejudicial to the interests, objectives and unity of both the Resolute Party and the PF Pamodzi Alliance.
Katepu directed Dr Phiri to cease representing himself as a member, official, spokesperson or representative of the Resolute Party in any capacity and to surrender any party property, documents, regalia or other materials in his possession without delay.
However, two days earlier, on Friday, July 31, 2026, Dr Phiri had written to Katepu expelling him.
“This decision is based on your gross misconduct, persistent insubordination, and the embezzlement of party funds, which actions have brought the name and values of Resolute Party into disrepute,” Dr Phiri stated.
The NEC also relieved Katepu of all duties and instructed him to immediately hand over all party property, documents and assets in his possession to the national treasurer or any duly authorised party official.
In the same communication, the NEC announced the appointment of Howard Chimulu as the new Secretary General with immediate effect.
“We have full confidence in his capacity, loyalty and commitment to the vision and values of our great party. Let this decision reaffirm our resolve to uphold integrity, accountability and discipline as we continue our mission to be a bag of hope and a nation’s future,” stated Dr Phiri.
The developments have drawn reaction from alliance partners.
In an official statement issued by the BM8 Movement Secretary General Anthony Kasandwe, he said the movement had taken note of recent public discourse surrounding internal matters within the Resolute Party (RP).
Kasandwe urged alliance members and supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements regarding the matter.
“We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that an assault on any opposition political party is an assault on all of us. An assault on any political party is an assault on our democracy. As a matter of principle and in the spirit of promoting and strengthening democracy, we call upon our members, supporters and affiliates of the BM8 movement to exercise restraint and discipline in public commentary on this issue and to refrain from statements that could be injurious, divisive and taunting,” stated Kasandwe.
“We must remain committed to the spirit of unity, mutual respect and cooperation that underpins our partnership with the Resolute Party and we trust that RP will resolve its internal affairs in a manner that strengthens the party and by extension of our shared alliance”.
