Patriotic Front presidential aspirant Makebi Zulu has placed himself firmly within the PF Pamodzi Alliance, while signalling that the bigger political objective ahead of the August elections remains broader opposition cooperation, including the possibility of working with Brian Mundubile and other rival formations once internal PF processes are concluded.

In an interview on Radio Christian Voice, Zulu set out a position that was at once combative on principle and flexible on political strategy. He rejected suggestions that he was preparing to abandon the Patriotic Front for a quicker route to the ballot, but also made it clear that he does not see the opposition fight against the ruling UPND as a contest any single party or alliance can win alone.

That balancing act sits at the heart of the current opposition moment. The PF remains locked in disputes over leadership, legitimacy and the route to its long-awaited general conference. At the same time, rival opposition centres have continued to emerge, with Brian Mundubile taking the lead in the Tonse Alliance, while senior PF figures aligned to Given Lubinda and other contenders have moved into the PF Pamodzi Alliance.

Zulu’s intervention matters because it attempts to define where he belongs in that fluid landscape and how he believes the opposition should approach the election.

He confirmed that he is not in Tonse, and that his current political home is the PF Pamodzi Alliance, which he described as a product of a Patriotic Front Central Committee resolution aimed at creating a vehicle capable of drawing in like-minded parties while the PF settles its own internal leadership question.

For Zulu, the move into PF Pamodzi is not a rejection of unity. He framed it instead as a temporary political arrangement born out of what he sees as the mishandling of the Tonse project after the death of former president Edgar Lungu. He argued that the original understanding around Tonse recognised the PF as the anchor party and envisaged the alliance leadership emerging from within PF structures. In his telling, that arrangement was later altered, leaving the PF outside the very framework it had been expected to anchor.

That is where Brian Mundubile enters the equation. Zulu was careful not to turn the interview into a direct personal attack on Mundubile, even when pushed to do so. He declined to personalise the dispute, but plainly said the current shape of Tonse is not one he accepts as having followed the original script. He said the problem was less the personality involved than the process that led to the present outcome.

Still, his position was not one of total rupture. On the contrary, one of the clearest messages from the interview was that he remains willing to work with Mundubile and others, provided that engagement happens at the right stage, on agreed terms, and in a way that does not further fracture the PF.

Zulu said that, as things stand now, he cannot simply walk into Tonse as an individual. In his view, that would amount to abandoning a movement he says still has to choose its own leader and stabilise its own structures. But he also said that once the PF settles its internal process, there is every chance of cooperation with Tonse and other opposition formations. At that point, he argued, the engagement would not be one politician crossing the floor to join another politician, but an organised political structure negotiating from a position of legitimacy.

That distinction was central to his case. He said the issue is not whether the opposition should work together. It must. The issue is how they work together, and from what political footing.

Zulu also used the interview to rule out another route that has hovered around his candidacy: the National Congress Party endorsement. He acknowledged that the NCP had offered him a presidential ticket, but he made it clear he has not taken it up. His reasoning was blunt. A “free ticket,” he said, is not the point if it comes at the cost of worsening opposition fragmentation. In his view, stepping out alone under another party banner would contradict the very unity message opposition leaders have been preaching to the public.

That line sharpened his broader appeal. He said Zambians are not asking for more breakaways, more logos or more parallel ambitions. They are asking for a credible alternative to the UPND. He argued that voters want opposition parties to prove that they can subordinate personal calculations to a national objective.

In that context, Zulu cast himself less as a man chasing any available ballot slot and more as a contender willing to submit to a wider process. He maintained that he wants to be Republican President and believes he is qualified to lead, but he also said that if another opposition candidate is shown to command stronger numbers and broader support, it would be wrong to ignore that reality. The same logic, he suggested, would apply to cooperation with forces now outside PF Pamodzi, including Mundubile’s camp.

That does not mean the divisions are resolved. Far from it. The opposition remains split among multiple alliances, multiple egos and multiple theories of how to defeat the UPND. But Zulu’s interview offered a political signal worth noting: he is planting his flag in PF Pamodzi for now, while keeping the door open to a later convergence with Mundubile and the rest of the opposition.

With presidential filing drawing closer, that question may soon become unavoidable. The opposition can continue operating as competing centres of mobilisation, or it can try to turn those centres into a single electoral force. Zulu’s answer, at least for now, is that the PF must first choose its leader, hold its line through PF Pamodzi, and then negotiate unity from there. The argument is not that Mundubile and the others must be shut out. It is that they must eventually be brought in through a process the broader opposition can defend before voters.

Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa says political divisions within the opposition make it difficult for rival parties to mount a serious challenge against President Hakainde Hichilema, arguing that unity among opponents would be necessary before any meaningful political contest could emerge.

Mweetwa made the remarks while responding to political criticism directed at the government, saying that fragmented opposition structures limit the ability of rival groups to present a coordinated political alternative.

The minister said Zambia’s political environment requires organised and disciplined political movements capable of articulating clear policies and leadership direction. According to Mweetwa, opposition groups remain divided over leadership questions and strategic approaches.

He argued that political competition functions most effectively when parties are able to organise themselves into cohesive structures capable of engaging voters with defined policy positions.

The Patriotic Front and other opposition parties have faced internal disagreements in recent years as different leaders attempt to establish authority within their organisations. These disputes have sometimes produced rival factions within the same political parties.

Mweetwa said such divisions can weaken political mobilisation efforts because supporters may become uncertain about which leaders represent the official direction of a party.

He also emphasised the importance of political stability in maintaining national progress. According to the minister, political organisations seeking to challenge governing parties must demonstrate organisational discipline and policy clarity.

The minister said effective political competition depends on the ability of parties to engage citizens with ideas and programmes that address national challenges. Political organisations that remain divided, he said, may struggle to build consistent support among voters.

Opposition alliances have periodically been discussed within Zambia’s political environment as parties explore ways to strengthen their electoral competitiveness. However, forming unified political platforms often requires resolving internal disagreements among participating groups.

Mweetwa said political parties must first establish internal unity before attempting to build broader alliances capable of challenging governing parties.

The minister also emphasised the role of democratic processes in determining leadership outcomes. Elections provide the mechanism through which citizens express their preferences regarding governance and political leadership.

Political discussions about leadership and governance have intensified as different parties interact with communities across the country. Political actors often use such engagements to present their policy proposals and mobilise supporters.

Mweetwa said political organisations should focus on presenting clear programmes that respond to citizens’ needs. According to him, policy ideas and organisational discipline remain important elements of effective political participation.

The minister’s remarks also reflected broader discussions about the structure and organisation of political parties in Zambia. Leadership disputes and internal factionalism have occasionally affected several political organisations across different electoral cycles.

Political analysts often note that party unity can play an important role in determining electoral competitiveness. Parties that maintain coherent leadership structures are generally better positioned to mobilise supporters.

Mweetwa maintained that opposition groups seeking to challenge the government must first address internal disagreements and develop unified strategies before attempting to mobilise national support.

He said political competition should ultimately revolve around ideas, leadership and the ability of parties to present credible programmes to the electorate.

Mweetwa said divisions within opposition parties continue to weaken their ability to mount a coordinated political challenge against President Hakainde Hichilema.

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged young women to avoid relationships with significantly older men, warning that such arrangements often place girls at risk and can disrupt their education and personal development.

Speaking during Youth Day celebrations in Solwezi, President Hichilema delivered a direct message to young women, cautioning them against situations in which older men pursue relationships with school-going girls or young women who are still building their future.

The President said such relationships frequently lead to exploitation, with young women sometimes left to face the consequences alone. He told the gathering that older men who become involved with young girls often do not take responsibility for the long-term impact of those relationships.

President Hichilema urged young women to remain focused on their education and personal ambitions. He said education and skills development offer the strongest pathway for young people to build stable and productive lives.

The Youth Day commemorations in Solwezi brought together young people, community leaders and government representatives to discuss issues affecting Zambia’s youth population. President Hichilema used the occasion to address a range of social concerns affecting young citizens.

During his address, the President emphasised that young people must make choices that protect their future opportunities. He said education should remain a priority for girls and boys alike as they prepare to contribute to national development.

President Hichilema told the gathering that young women should not allow themselves to be drawn into relationships that may compromise their goals. He encouraged girls to pursue education and personal development rather than becoming dependent on relationships with older partners.

Youth Day celebrations often serve as a platform for leaders to address issues affecting young people, including education, employment and social wellbeing. The President’s remarks formed part of broader discussions about the challenges facing Zambia’s youth.

The President also emphasised the importance of parental and community support in protecting young people. Families and community leaders, he said, have a responsibility to guide young citizens and help them make decisions that support their wellbeing.

President Hichilema said young people should remain confident in their ability to shape their own future. He encouraged them to develop skills, pursue education and participate actively in the country’s development.

The address reflected broader concerns about social pressures that can affect young people, particularly girls who may face challenges balancing education, relationships and economic pressures.

Youth Day events across the country provided opportunities for young people to engage with national leaders and discuss issues that influence their lives. The Solwezi celebrations highlighted themes of empowerment, responsibility and opportunity.

President Hichilema said Zambia’s future depends on a generation of young people who are prepared to make responsible decisions and contribute positively to society.

He urged young women to remain focused on their ambitions and to avoid situations that could undermine their education and long-term prospects.

The President said young citizens should recognise their potential and work toward building a future based on education, discipline and determination.

Former higher education minister Professor Nkandu Luo says many Zambians are reluctant to express their political preferences openly, claiming that some citizens are instead quietly signalling their voting intentions by showing voters’ cards during interactions with opposition figures.

Luo made the remarks while addressing supporters, where she reflected on what she described as growing fear among citizens when discussing political choices in public. According to Luo, the reluctance to speak openly about politics has created a situation in which many people prefer to communicate their views privately.

She said that during engagements with citizens, some individuals have been showing their voters’ cards rather than openly declaring their political positions. Luo described the gesture as a sign that certain voters prefer to express support quietly rather than through public statements.

The former minister said such behaviour reflects a wider atmosphere in which some citizens feel uncomfortable discussing politics openly. She told supporters that political expression should allow individuals to state their views freely without hesitation.

Luo argued that fear or hesitation in public political discussions can distort perceptions about voter sentiment. When people remain silent in public spaces, she said, it may create the impression that certain political views are not widely shared.

According to Luo, private interactions with citizens often reveal opinions that differ from what is expressed publicly. She said individuals sometimes feel more comfortable sharing political preferences in informal settings rather than at public gatherings.

The remarks form part of a broader political conversation about how citizens express their views during periods of active political competition. Political figures across Zambia frequently engage with communities to gauge public sentiment and mobilise supporters.

Luo said interactions with citizens in different areas have revealed what she described as quiet expressions of political support. She told supporters that the act of showing voters’ cards during such encounters demonstrates that some individuals prefer symbolic gestures over verbal declarations.

Political communication often takes different forms depending on social and political circumstances. In many settings, individuals may choose indirect ways of expressing their opinions, particularly when they are uncertain about how their views will be received.

Luo said the phenomenon highlights the importance of engaging voters directly within communities. She encouraged supporters to continue interacting with citizens and listening to their concerns during political activities.

The former minister also reflected on the role of political participation in shaping national leadership. She said the voting process allows citizens to express their preferences and influence the direction of the country.

Discussions about voter behaviour frequently arise during periods of political mobilisation. Political actors often attempt to interpret signals from communities as they prepare for electoral contests.

Luo said that despite reluctance among some citizens to speak openly about politics, the voting process ultimately provides a platform through which individuals can express their choices.

She urged supporters to remain engaged with communities and to encourage citizens to participate actively in political processes.

The remarks come at a time when political activity across the country continues to intensify as parties and leaders interact with communities to build support.

Luo told supporters that the gesture of voters showing their cards during interactions should be interpreted as a sign of quiet political expression among citizens.

Robert Chabinga, who serves as Acting President of the Patriotic Front (PF), has insisted that he remains the legitimate leader of the former ruling party.

Chabinga said party members and the general public should not be misled by claims from Miles Sampa and Given Lubinda that they have taken over the leadership of the PF.

He stated that the latest court outcome does not change the current situation, noting that there is still an active matter before the Kabwe High Court which bars the party from proceeding with a general conference.

Chabinga added that claims by the faction led by Lubinda should be dismissed.

Speaking during Youth Day celebrations in Chirundu District, Chabinga also advised civil servants in the area to remain loyal to the government of the day.

He further called on Zambians to rally behind Hakainde Hichilema and vote for him in the August 13, 2026 general elections, saying the President has delivered beyond expectations and deserves a second term.

Meanwhile, addressing young people during the celebrations held under the theme “Arise and Soar,” Chabinga—who is also the Member of Parliament for Mafinga—said he is a product of resilience.

He shared that during his school days he used to walk about seven kilometres daily to attend classes, adding that determination helped him overcome difficult circumstances.

Chabinga encouraged youths across the country to remain focused, work hard and pursue their ambitions despite challenges.

President Hakainde Hichilema has launched Imisepela, a digital platform intended to connect young Zambians to employment opportunities, training programmes and business partnerships, placing youth participation at the centre of the country’s economic agenda.

The platform was unveiled during Youth Day commemorations in Solwezi, North-Western Province, where the President addressed thousands of young people who gathered to mark the national celebration. The launch formed one of the major announcements during the event, which focused on the role of young citizens in shaping Zambia’s economic and social future.

President Hichilema said the Imisepela platform is designed to help young people access opportunities that can support employment, entrepreneurship and skills development. He explained that the system will allow youths to connect with organisations offering jobs, internships, mentorship programmes and training initiatives.

The President said many young people possess talent and education but struggle to identify pathways that allow them to translate those abilities into economic activity. According to President Hichilema, the platform is intended to create a digital gateway where opportunities and youth potential can meet.

He urged young people to take advantage of available opportunities by registering on the platform and using it to connect with institutions and businesses operating across different sectors of the economy. President Hichilema said young citizens should remain proactive in pursuing education, skills development and entrepreneurship.

The Youth Day celebrations in Solwezi brought together students, youth groups, community leaders and government representatives from different parts of the country. Discussions during the event centred on youth empowerment, innovation and leadership as Zambia continues addressing challenges related to employment and economic participation.

President Hichilema told the gathering that young people remain central to Zambia’s development. He said the country’s economic progress will depend significantly on the creativity, productivity and determination of its youth population.

During his address, the President encouraged young Zambians to pursue ideas and initiatives that can support sustainable livelihoods. He said innovation and entrepreneurship provide important pathways through which young people can contribute to national development.

The launch of the Imisepela platform comes amid ongoing conversations about youth employment and the need to expand opportunities for young people entering the labour market. Young citizens represent a significant portion of Zambia’s population, making youth empowerment a critical factor in long-term economic growth.

President Hichilema emphasised that national development requires the active participation of young people in economic activities. He urged youths to remain focused on building skills that can help them compete in a changing economic environment.

The President also stressed the importance of discipline and responsibility among young citizens as they pursue opportunities available through education and entrepreneurship. He said Zambia’s future leadership will depend on the commitment of the younger generation to productive engagement.

Participants at the Youth Day commemorations described the platform launch as a step towards strengthening youth participation in economic activities. The event also highlighted the importance of education, innovation and leadership in shaping the country’s development path.

President Hichilema said Zambia must continue creating pathways that allow young people to transform their ideas into productive activities that benefit both individuals and communities.

He told the gathering that empowering young people will help strengthen the country’s economic base and expand opportunities for national progress.