By the Independent Political Correspondent
Saturday, 28th March, 2026
In the ever-evolving landscape of Zambian politics, the persistent posture of the Patriotic Front (PF) leadership raises serious questions about political awareness, strategic foresight, and responsibility to the electorate. At a time when the party appears increasingly constrained, both internally and externally. Its senior figures continue to project an air of confidence that borders on outright denial. Listening to EMV on Friday 27 March painted a picture of utter disillusion when repeated callers tried to posture the PF and Makebi as the party of choice that others including the CF must run to. Alas as things stand today, PF is Chabinga and Chabinga is PF. So those that mean well in the PF MUST swallow their pride and seek a partner they can work with under that partner and nothing else.
Despite the presence of seasoned lawyers and experienced political actors within its ranks, the PF seems unable or unwilling, to read the signs of the times. The political environment has shifted significantly, and yet the party continues to behave as though it operates under conditions that no longer exist. There is a growing sense among observers that the PF may not even be allowed to meaningfully participate in future elections under its current banner. Unless of course it means supporting the UPND. Whether due to legal challenges, administrative hurdles, or broader political pressures, the likelihood of contesting freely under the PF banner is next to impossible.
Yet, instead of re-calibrating strategy, the party presses on with questionable decisions. Chief among them the promotion of candidates burdened by unresolved legal and ethical concerns. This reflects not only poor judgment but also a troubling disregard for public perception and electoral viability.
Take, for instance, the case surrounding Brian Mundubile. His legal troubles, now resurfacing years after the alleged events, have sparked debate. His legal team argues that the timing of the prosecution – five years later – is suspicious. However, this argument sidesteps the more fundamental issue: whether wrongdoing occurred in the first place. Allegations involving substantial public funds, reportedly amounting to K1.5 billion, cannot simply be dismissed as politically timed inconveniences.
In such circumstances, prudence would dictate that any individual with unresolved legal questions steps aside from high office ambitions, particularly the presidency.
On the other hand Makebi Zulu emerged as yet another leader following a somewhat veiled convention. But Makebi himself does not come with clean hands. Firstly the motive to seek the presidency is reportedly tied to the desire to have his brother who is facing a life sentence for his role in the murder of the IBA Director General Guntila Muleya. Makebi is also seen to be pursuing the path to the presidency as a redemptive action to exorcise his demons arising from a humiliating defeat in Malambo constituency. These intentions besides being noble do not reflect the aspirations of the people Zambia. They are personal and one must not aspire to be Republican President to address personal issues. That sounds like Hakainde and UPND.
Leadership demands not only innocence in the eyes of the law but also credibility in the eyes of the people. The insistence on pushing forward candidates with compromised standing risks further eroding public trust and weakening the opposition’s already fragile position.
More broadly, the PF must confront a difficult truth: the party, as it once existed, may no longer hold the political capital it assumes. The failure to acknowledge this reality suggests a dangerous mix of arrogance and denial. Rather than adapting, the party appears locked in a cycle of self-affirmation that ignores the structural and political constraints it faces.
For those who genuinely care about Zambia’s democratic future, like Chishimba Kambwili, Jean Kapata, Godfrida Sumaili, Sylvia Chalikosa, Miles Sampa, Grayford Monde, Samuel Mukupa, Prof. Nkandu Luo, Richard Musukwa and many others, the path forward requires honesty and introspection. Clinging to partisan loyalty at the expense of national interest is a luxury the country can ill afford. If the PF cannot present a credible, untainted, and electable candidate, then it is incumbent upon stakeholders to look beyond party lines.
PF members should stop being arrogant, humble themselves and put a stop to the instance for a PF candidate to lead but instead seek the position of running mate and then dominate cabinet with party loyalists – That is what ECL called Plan B.
Zambia’s leadership should not be a matter of party preservation but national progress. Whether a viable candidate emerges from PF, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Socialist Party (SP), the Citizens First (CF), or elsewhere, the priority must be competence, integrity, and the ability to unite and lead effectively.
The moment calls for open-mindedness, courage, and a willingness to break from entrenched political habits. Zambia stands at a crossroads, and only through clear-eyed reflection and decisive action can the nation move toward true emancipation.
