Lusaka — Former President of Zambia Frederick Chiluba has started campaigns for President Rupiah Banda ahead of the 2011 polls, sparking anger from opposition parties that are threatening to seek a court order to block him from getting his retirement benefits.

"Let us give President Banda a chance by voting for him," Mr Chiluba told a rally in Ndola - the provincial capital of Copperbelt Province - a Bemba speaking province where he enjoyed political clout during his 10 year presidency.

"If we vote for Mr Michael Sata and Hakainde Hichilema, they will destroy the nation because they don't have a heart for the country."

Main opposition party Patriotic Front (PF) of Mr Sata and the second largest opposition party - the UPND - of Mr Hichilema have formed an electoral alliance to dislodge President Banda during the 2011 polls.

PF secretary general Mr Wynter Kabimba has warned Mr Chiluba that he risked losing his retirement benefits if he continues engaging in active politics.

But Mr Chiluba's press aide Mr Emmanuel Mwamba said his boss was not involved in active politics, but as a Zambian citizen, the former president had a right to support a political party of his choice.

"It is now public knowledge that Dr Chiluba backs President Rupiah Banda's candidature in the same manner he supported opposition leader Mr Michael Sata (in 2006 elections)," said Mr Mwamba in Lusaka, adding that Mr Chiluba quit active politics in 2002.

President Banda has not confirmed he is vying for re-election.