By 
The Patriotic Front (PF) has entered a new phase in its leadership race, with Lusaka lawyer and spokesperson for the late President Edgar Lungu’s family, Makebi Zulu, officially joining the contest for the party presidency.
On Monday, hundreds of PF supporters thronged the party secretariat to escort Zulu as he submitted his expression of interest and paid the required K200,000.
Earlier, on Sunday, acting PF President Given Lubinda and Luapula Member of Parliament, Chanda Katotobwe, formally filed their nominations to contest the presidency ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Lubinda said the process demonstrated that the PF was a transparent and democratic party, adding that he was offering himself to dedicate even more time and resources to the party.
“This is an event which underscores what the PF is all about, it shows that the Patriotic Front is indeed a transparent and democratic party. I have come today to join my other brothers to express interest in filing nominations for consideration for election to the position of president of the Patriotic Front,” he said.
Following the death of party President Lungu, several senior officials have stepped forward seeking to be the PF’s flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, in what many describe as a tightly contested race.
During the filing of Zulu’s nomination, former PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri urged him to remain steadfast in his leadership and uphold the values of discipline and respect throughout his campaign.
“Makebi, what you are witnessing here today is an acceptance from the youths. So go and lead a disciplined youth and a respectful campaign.
“If you see me insulting another leader, especially your fellow aspirants, chase me because politics of insults have no place in our campaign,” Phiri said.
She emphasized that the PF’s strength lies in its ability to maintain order and mutual respect even amid competitive internal politics.
“Our party must show the nation that democracy and discipline can coexist. Let this contest unite us, not divide us,” Phiri stated.
Apart from Zulu, Lubinda, and Katotobwe, others seeking the PF presidency include party spokesperson, Emmanuel Mwamba, former Transport Minister Brian Mushimba, and South Africa-based businessman Willah Mudolo, who also joined after paying the required K200,000 fee.
Additional aspirants include Mporokoso lawmaker Brian Mundubile, recently endorsed by fellow lawmakers; Lunte Constituency lawmaker Mutotwe Kafwaya; Matero lawmaker Miles Sampa; and Central Committee member Dr. Chishimba Kambwili.
Other notable figures in the race are former Defence Ministers Greyford Monde and Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, Mansa Central lawmaker Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, and Lusaka businessman Goodward Mulubwa.
The PF is set to hold its national conference for the first time since the death of President Lungu, who passed away on June 5, 2025, in South Africa, where he had gone for a medical check-up.
President Lungu has yet to be buried due to an ongoing impasse between his family and the Zambian government over the repatriation of his body.
The PF conference is expected to take place this November 2025, in preparation for the national general elections scheduled for August 13, 2026.
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