Kambwili Says He Is Willing to Step Aside for Opposition Unity

Kambwili Says He Is Willing to Step Aside for Opposition Unity
Patriotic Front central committee member Chishimba Kambwili has stated that he is prepared to forego his own presidential ambitions in order to achieve opposition unity ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections.

Kambwili said he has been engaging with several elders in the country who, according to him, are concerned about the political direction Zambia is taking. Among those he named were retired former Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda and Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika.

He said the elders he has met are unhappy with what he described as growing polarisation in the country, particularly along tribal lines, and have encouraged efforts aimed at uniting opposition political parties.

Kambwili stated that since his release from prison, he has dedicated time to working behind the scenes to promote opposition unity. He said this effort is not driven by personal gain, but by what he believes is the national interest.

He explained that opposition unity has remained elusive largely because of disagreements over who should carry the presidential ticket, but maintained that the focus should be on presenting a single candidate capable of challenging the ruling party.

When asked whether he was ready to abandon his own presidential ambitions to achieve that unity, Kambwili responded affirmatively, saying leadership requires readiness to be led.

He stated that for the sake of the country, personal ambition must sometimes be set aside, adding that those who wish to lead must also be prepared to follow when circumstances demand it.

Kambwili declined to be drawn into debates about which opposition parties are growing or declining, including comments made by Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba regarding his party’s performance in the Chawama by-election. He said his concern was not about individual party fortunes, but about consolidating opposition strength.

He pointed to the combined vote totals from the Chawama by-election, arguing that when votes for opposition parties and independent candidates are added together, they demonstrate a strong showing against the ruling United Party for National Development.

Kambwili further dismissed claims about the existence of a so-called “PF ECL movement,” saying he did not recognise such a grouping and would not waste time addressing it.

He said the Patriotic Front needed to focus on internal unity and avoid internal conflicts, warning that infighting would only weaken the opposition’s ability to contest the August elections effectively.

Regarding PF presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile, Kambwili stated that Mundubile remained a PF member, as he had not formally resigned from the party.

Kambwili reiterated that unity discussions must remain focused on the collective objective of presenting a credible alternative in the 2026 general elections.