Opposition presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile has accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of attempting to frustrate his presidential ambitions because the party fears facing him in the upcoming August 13 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Phoenix FM’s “Let the People Talk” programme, Mundubile claimed the ruling party was worried about his growing popularity and chances of defeating them at the polls.
The Brian Mundubile further alleged that the UPND did not genuinely win the recent by-elections held across the country, claiming the victories were achieved through electoral manipulation.
According to Mundubile, the ruling party fears the participation of opposition leaders because it knows the political landscape would change significantly once strong challengers appear on the ballot.
“The UPND is operating under fear, they are so scared of me that is why they are trying so hard to discourage me from contesting,” Mundubile said.
“If at all the by-elections they won were real, why are they shaking when they hear of me being on the ballot? The Zambian people have already chosen me and no imingalato will help them come August 13,” he added.
Mundubile also questioned why the ruling party would feel threatened by opposition leaders if it believed it had fulfilled its campaign promises and maintained strong public support.
His remarks come amid internal disputes within the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), where the party’s National Youth Secretary, Vincent Mwakawele, has sued the party’s secretary general seeking to nullify the convention that endorsed Mundubile as the party’s presidential candidate.
Responding to the allegations, UPND spokesperson and Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa dismissed Mundubile’s claims and described his political camp as disorganised.
“First of all, Mundubile cannot say anything good about anyone because he comes from a disorganized arrangement that does not know how peace feels like,” Mweetwa said.
He further criticised Mundubile for allegedly abandoning parliamentary duties at a time when lawmakers are debating Bills in the National Assembly.
Obviously the incumbent is restless what do you expect a red carpet??