Boko warns defiant BNF members
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday March 11, 2026 11:31
Speaking during the Leadership Forum held in Francistown over the weekend, Boko indicated that members who openly go against party decisions risk having their membership revoked, a move that could ultimately cost them their council seats.
According to him, MPs and councillors who deliberately disregard party resolutions or publicly challenge party positions could face serious consequences, and the party would not think twice to show them the exit door. “BNF needs to be disciplined, and if you are a member of BNF within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and a representative of UDC in Parliament and Council, and you do not represent the party: BNF must take action,” Boko warned. He further warned that the party will not for a second waste time in taking action against defiant MPs and councillors, and does not fear heading to the polls once again for a by-election.
“If you are a councillor or an MP and you are disobedient, democratic centralism binds us to take instant actions. We will write a letter to the council and say we accept the resignation of this representative by his or her conduct. He or she has resigned, and we accept and is no longer one of us, that seat is vacant, and we will then call a by-election,” Boko boldly said.
Furthermore, Boko reminded party members that their political status has significantly changed since the party is now part of the governing leadership of the country. He stressed that members should understand that being in government comes with greater responsibility and discipline compared to when they were in opposition.
“You are now the ruling party and no longer operating as opposition members,” Boko said. “We cannot allow our own members to go against party decisions and do as they wish. Members must seek clarity within party structures if they do not understand certain issues instead of openly criticising the party.”
He noted with concern that some members have recently been publicly criticising the party and even questioning its policies.
According to Boko, such behaviour weakens the party’s image and creates unnecessary divisions within its ranks. Therefore, he urged members to use internal party channels to raise concerns or seek clarification on policies rather than expressing dissatisfaction on public platforms.
In addition, Boko stated that the leadership had previously exercised restraint when dealing with such matters. He explained that the party initially chose not to take immediate disciplinary action because it wanted members to gradually understand the responsibilities and expectations that come with governing. However, he indicated that the time for tolerance may soon come to an end if members continue to undermine party authority. He said the leadership had hoped that by allowing members time to adjust, they would learn what it means to be part of a governing movement and appreciate the need for unity and collective responsibility. Moreover, Boko reminded BNF members that the party is an integral component of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), the coalition that currently leads the government. He emphasised that BNF members cannot separate themselves from the broader agenda and policies of the coalition.
“There is no way BNF members can detach themselves from the UDC,” he said, adding that the coalition framework requires cooperation and alignment amongst all its partners. At the same time, Boko also issued a strong warning regarding corruption within the party ranks. He specifically addressed cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and councillors, stressing that he does not want to hear that any of them are implicated in corruption scandals or questionable dealings. According to him, leaders who represent the party in government must uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. He emphasised that the BNF has always prided itself on discipline and ethical leadership, and therefore members must avoid any conduct that could tarnish the party’s reputation. He further stated that corruption undermines public trust and weakens government institutions. As such, he urged party leaders to serve the public with honesty and commitment, adding that those who engage in corrupt practices would be betraying the values of the movement.
He also reminded members that the BNF’s political philosophy and governance approach are rooted in its historical policy framework, widely known as Pamphlet Number One. According to Boko, many of the policies currently implemented by the Umbrella for Democratic Change government originate from this foundational document.
Consequently, he encouraged members to familiarise themselves with the party’s guiding principles so that they fully understand the direction and values of both the BNF and the UDC administration. Ultimately, Boko stressed that unity, discipline, transparency, and loyalty to party structures will be essential if the movement is to remain strong whilst leading the country.