An elaborate plan to oust MMD president Nevers Mumba from the top of the party leadership and replace him with former President Rupiah Banda has surfaced.
Information in possession of the Daily Mail suggests the former President is working with Solwezi member of Parliament Lucky Mulusa to ensure he returns to the helm of the former ruling party.
A highly placed source told the Daily Mail: “The information on the ground is that if attempts to replace Dr Mumba with Mr Banda fail, former Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane may be considered as the next in line.”
The source revealed that Mr Mulusa has already spoken to Chitambo member of Parliament Mushili Malama.
The two MPs could, however, not be reached for a comment yesterday.
Dr Mumba too was unreachable and a physical visit to his house by the Daily Mail equally proved futile as he was not there.
Mr Banda’s phone went unanswered while his assistants, Mr Wakumelo Mikatazo and Mr Kennedy Limwanya, did not pick up calls yesterday.
The MMD has appeared to be on the brink of collapse since Dr. Mumba took over amidst major rifts that have basically split the party into several cracks raising concern from some stalwarts.
“This one you are seeing is an attempt to keep the party alive by getting Dr. Mumba out and replacing him with Mr Banda or Mr Musokotwane,” the source said.
But MMD national deputy secretary Chembe Nyangu said he was not aware of such a plot within the party.
He said that if there is a plan to replace Dr Mumba, then it could be by those outside the party.
Mr Nyangu said the MMD has a constitution which stipulates that a party president can only be replaced at a national convention.