Once again, Zambiaβs opposition is proving to be its own worst enemy.
Recent reports have revealed infighting within the so-called United Opposition Front, a coalition allegedly stitched together by remnants of UKA, the Socialist Party, and disgruntled elements from the Tonse Alliance. According to Sean Tembo, spokesperson for Tonse, some members are attempting to sideline former President Edgar Lungu and push a new power structure with Socialist Party backingβa move that already reeks of betrayal and confusion just months before the critical Lumezi by-election.
Instead of building a credible, consistent, and strategic alternative to the UPND government, the opposition is caught up in power games and identity struggles. Tembo claims the plan exposed in an earlier leaked audio clipβsuggesting a deeper agenda to dethrone Edgar Lunguβis very much alive. If so, this signals a clear lack of consensus, vision, and unity among opposition leaders.
In an ironic twist, United Opposition Front spokesperson Muhabi Lungu confirms that a new structure is being considered, but distances himself from Sean Temboβs accusations, implying that even within the supposed opposition alliance, not everyone is on speaking terms. What hope, then, does such a fractured formation have of convincing Zambians that they can govern better?
Letβs be honest: Zambiaβs opposition is fragmented, leaderless, and in denial about its failures.
While they bicker over who should be chairperson and whether to have a βmessiahβ figure or not, President Hakainde Hichilema remains focused on delivering reforms. From stabilizing the economy and reducing inflation to strengthening Constituency Development Funds (CDF), the UPND government has tangible achievements it can campaign on. Whether one agrees with his policies or not, HH has remained consistent in message, tone, and vision.
That consistency is exactly what the opposition lacks.Β Thereβs no coherent message. No singular vision. No roadmap. Just recycled slogans, vague coalitions, and internal sabotage. If you canβt even agree on who leads your group, how can you convince the electorate to hand over the reins of government?
The Zambian voter is watching.
They are seeing one side talk about progress, policy, and delivery, while the other side argues about positions, personalities, and patronage. Itβs not hard to guess which side the people will choose in 2026.
Unless the opposition gets its house in order, and fast, HH and the UPND are walking into a divided battlefield with a united campaign.
And in politics, unity wins elections. Confusion doesnβt.
