Opposition unity impossible without ending personal ambitions —Lubinda

Patriotic Front (PF) president, Given Lubinda, has warned that opposition unity will remain unattainable as long as political parties prioritise personal ambitions over the will of the majority, insisting that meaningful unity must be built at grassroots level rather than in closed-door meetings.

Speaking at an opposition conference on Friday, Lubinda urged opposition leaders to reflect honestly on the causes of continued fragmentation within Zambia’s opposition politics.

“We are where we are because of personal reasons, yet we keep talking about solidarity and unity. Before we can talk about unity, we must talk about that which puts us asunder,” Lubinda said.

He questioned the rapid increase in the number of political parties, arguing that many were not formed due to genuine policy disagreements.

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“In 1991, we had one party, and then came the Movement for Multiparty Democracy. Between 2000 and 2025, more than 100 political parties have been registered. If the differences are not fundamental policy differences, then there is something else motivating us,” he said.

Lubinda attributed much of the disunity to personal ambition, suggesting that some individuals form parties to secure political leverage.

He also accused some opposition figures of disregarding the rule of law and ignoring the voice of the majority.

“Do we have people who are willing to listen to the voices of the majority? From where I stand, no. Do we have people who respect the rule of law? From where I stand, no,” he said.

Referring to the recent Chawama parliamentary by-election, Lubinda said the results clearly reflected the absence of genuine opposition unity.

“The numbers in Chawama speak for themselves. You talk about opposition unity, but where is it? If unity exists only in boardrooms, we are bound to fail,” he said.

He emphasised that unity must be practical and visible on the political ground.

“Opposition unity must be seen where it matters most, and that is on the ground. We issue statements and hold press briefings, but when it matters, everyone looks after themselves,” Lubinda added.

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