Former head of state of Zambia Edgar Lungu has stepped down as Patriotic Front’s president with immediate effect.

Lungu has been replaced by the party’s deputy Given Lubinda who is acting as PF’s president.

Lungu’s decision to step down as PF president comes few months after he announced that he has retired from active politics following his defeat in the August 12 general elections.

Lungu who has ruled Zambia for at least six years, lost to his main rival Hakainde Hichilema of United Nation Development Party (UNPD).