BPF leadership battles: A defining moment
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday February 23, 2026 06:06
A court ruling is expected to settle the matter, with the possibility that the 2025 congress may be deemed valid or invalid, which could necessitate a fresh election within the party or maintain the status quo of the Ookeditse-led BPF. In the meantime, the legal battle continues, and Ookeditse's team has been granted an interim order preventing Galebotswe’s axis from using any BPF symbols, and is recognised as the legitimate national executive committee until the final resolution of the dispute. At the heart of the dispute lies the organisation and preparedness of each faction. Galebotswe’s team, which was previously seen as disorganised and unprepared, has significantly stepped up its game. This time, they arrived in full force, appearing with matching T-shirts emblazoned with their new symbol, signalling a sense of unity and readiness.
More notably, they were accompanied by legal representation, a stark contrast to their earlier, less structured approach. This change in strategy suggests that the Galebotswe faction has not only better organised its efforts but has likely secured financial backing to support their cause. This newfound strength is evident in their numbers, as they appeared in larger crowds than before, perhaps indicating that they have rallied more supporters or secured external funding. Despite their improved position, Galebotswe’s team remains cautiously optimistic about the outcome of the legal battle. Modiri Lucas, the spokesperson for Galebotswe’s faction, expressed confidence that their side still has a strong chance of prevailing in court.
However, he refrained from speaking definitively about the potential outcome, acknowledging that they would have to wait until the court made its final decision. 'We still stand a chance to win this matter. On the other hand, I cannot speak about anything until the matter is concluded,' Lucas remarked during an interview. Tension within the party is palpable, as both factions prepare for the upcoming court ruling. The Ookeditse-led team, on the other hand, remains resolute and confident in its position. Speaking for Ookeditse’s team, Ogaufi Nthobelang expressed unwavering belief in the legitimacy of their leadership.
'We will win the case. We were voted on by the Congress. If the court orders that we go for elections, we will contest and do as it orders,' Nthobelang stated. His words reflect the confidence that their faction's leadership is firmly grounded in the party’s democratic processes, with the congress having endorsed their team as the rightful leadership. The conflict between the two factions highlights not just a battle for control but also the deeper issues within the BPF. For Galebotswe's team, the court case represents not just a legal challenge but also an opportunity to challenge the status quo. The fact that they have come better prepared, both in terms of resources and organisation, suggests they are serious about taking control of the party, and perhaps even reforming it in a way they see fit. On the other hand, Ookeditse’s group is firmly standing its ground, defending the legitimacy of the previous congress and the interim court order, as the latter has granted them authority over the party's symbols and operations. If the court rules that the 2025 congress was invalid and orders a new election, it will present both factions with a fresh opportunity to reassert their dominance. However, if the court upholds the legitimacy of Ookeditse's leadership, the Galebotswe faction may find itself at a crossroads, unsure of how to proceed without a clear path forward.
However, Galebotswe and some of his team members are suspended from the party, while others were expelled. Respondents in that case included Galebotswe, Mogomotsi Letsididi, Segaetsho Garekwe, Lucas, Loeto Porati, Olebile Pilane, Queen Moatsotsi, Gareone Barel, and Gaolathe Molefane.
Applicants in this matter were Onneile Segwai, Dr Kolaatamo Malefho, Ookeditse, and the BPF. Court papers filed before Lobatse High Court, late last year reads: “An interim order is hereby issued interdicting and restraining respondents from holding themselves out as the NEC (interim or otherwise) and to discharge any official functions of the BPF pending the institution and finalisation of a declaratory application and or any other competent application to be filled seven days from the date of this order seeking to declare the Serowe elective congress and its electoral outcomes as lawful, valid and enforceable.”
Furthermore, the NEC wanted an alternative pending an application to declare that the respondents are ineligible to hold themselves out as officials of the BPF and or interim NEC.
They also wanted an interim order directing the respondents not to interfere, in any manner whatsoever, with the official work, duties, and functions of the NEC elected at the Serowe elective congress pending the outcome of the application. They also wanted an interim order interdicting the respondents or any person purporting to act under the instructions of the interim NEC from using the letterhead of the BPF pending the finalisation of the application.