IT is quite mind-boggling to understand Nevers Mumba's logic for claiming that MMD has the strongest hold in Mpongwe when observers on the ground indicate the opposite.

Though MMD in the past enjoyed a huge following at the grass-roots in Mpongwe, common sense suggests that after the defection of Gabriel Namulambe to the PF, MMD's popularity is now on a downward spiral, with grassroots defectors leaving literally en masse, and key leaders seeking greener pastures in the ruling PF.

Nevers has lamentably failed to keep and inspire political harmony within his MMD ranks.

As a party under Rupiah Banda, the MMD was very well rallied around its party president.

Rupiah was undoubtedly a respected leader within the MMD and beyond.

But as Nevers took over, it was clear that he was no match for his predecessor.

Nevers has found it difficult to escape his predecessor's shadows.

An incessant comparison between Nevers Mumba and Rupiah Banda's leadership style yields miserable outcomes.

It is no wonder the current MMD leadership has been frequenting Rupiah Banda's home to seek advice on the problems that have beset the party.

We are observing a situation where Nevers Mumba's grassroots popularity in the MMD is generally on the wane.

And, perhaps, his inability to manage his bruised ego has made him to delusively insinuate that MMD is the only party with the strongest structures in Mpongwe Constituency compared to those of PF and UPND.

But enter the February 28 by-election, MMD's quest for the retention of the parliamentary seat in Mpongwe could, probably, be as good as dead.