PATRIOTIC Front (PF) faction president Miles Sampa has withdrawn from contesting the parliamentary election.
Mr Sampa said the decision follows a High Court ruling and came after wider consultations with stakeholders.
He cited a ruling by High Court judges C.C. Zulu and Mwila Kombe, delivered three weeks ago, three hours before the close of nominations, which effectively prevented the PF from fielding presidential, parliamentary or council candidates.
“Given the High Court ruling, we will now collectively channel our energy to have a say and influence who wins the Republican presidential ticket, for the good of Zambia,” Mr Sampa said in a statement dated May 29.
He said he will continue implementing community projects in Lima and Matero constituencies.
“It was never about votes, but about the everlasting love for all the people in my birthplace area,” Mr Sampa said.
He said the PF Central Committee will meet this weekend to determine its next course of action and campaign strategy ahead of the August general elections.