MAKEBI ZULU’S PRESIDENTIAL BID SHOCKS NATION, SPARKS PUBLIC DEBATE
The recent declaration by Constitutional Lawyer and Patriotic Front (PF) member, Makebi Zulu, to contest the 2026 Republican Presidency has sent shockwaves across Zambia’s political landscape, igniting heated public debate and scrutiny over his motives and timing.
Zulu’s announcement comes at a time when the PF is still grappling with internal divisions and questions of succession, particularly following the passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL). As the main Spokesperson and Lawyer to the late President’s family, Zulu’s decision to step into the presidential race has drawn mixed reactions from both supporters and critics within the party and the general public.
Some observers believe Zulu’s move was driven by a sense of urgency and political self-preservation. With several other PF figures—among them Willah Joseph Mudolo—publicly declaring their interest in the top job, speculation is rife that Zulu may have felt politically threatened, prompting him to unveil his ambitions earlier than planned.
“It’s clear that time is running out,” one PF insider noted. “Makebi has realised that the internal dynamics around President Lungu’s burial and the ongoing legal matters could limit his political visibility if he delays any further.”
However, others argue that Zulu’s timing and role raise serious ethical and moral questions. As the official spokesperson and lawyer for the Lungu family, critics contend that his decision to launch a presidential bid while handling sensitive family and legal matters could reflect a conflict of interest and a lack of discretion.
“While it is his democratic right to contest the presidency, using the emotional and unfinished chapter of President Lungu’s burial to advance political ambitions is in poor taste,” said one commentator. “It exposes a worrying lack of conscience and moral restraint.”
Despite the backlash, some PF members have rallied behind Zulu, describing him as a youthful, articulate, and ambitious leader capable of reviving the opposition’s fortunes. His legal background and eloquence, they argue, could help the PF reposition itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2026 general elections.
As the political dust settles, one thing remains clear—Zulu’s declaration has reshaped the conversation within the PF and across Zambia’s political spectrum. Whether his decision will consolidate or fracture the opposition remains to be seen.
Time, as always, will reveal the true intentions behind this bold political move.
By Madalitso Sinkala
Ilelanga News. October 25, 2025
These failures who’s interest is to steal in politics. He has tasted the honey on the stolen loot in PF and now wants to follow the footsteps of his late grand looter. He’s now been baptized by the spirit he’s guarding. A malukula.
Good article. Zulu wants to replace Lungu even before burial. He wants to take the shoes of the man even before burying him. What belongs to the deceased is shared after you bury him and not before. But everyone is scrumbling over seat before the burial. Very unethical indeed. They should have done that before he came back to active politics. That was the missed opportunity due to greediness. Now look where you are. You all now look like polical clowns.
Let him stay with the body that side.Let him attend to that while his competitors are doing mingalato here.He is not the only one with Presidential ambitions in PF and TONSE.They may wait for him to come back to start the program of succession.In the meantime the time bus is about to leave.We are watching.They have two things or three to conclude happily and these are as follows:-
* To conduct the burial of their late party President
* To complete the succession program accordingly.
* To make their candidate be known and campaign to win the 2026 election.These activities must happen within the coming nine months.The nominations activity is done by ECZ at the time and date prescribed.Late entries are not entertained.
@Muketa… kikikiki you are punishing Makebi indeed. He thought he was wise…. And WHAT UPND IS DOING is to let Makebi &ECL body alone. In Tonga we say “camulemena cibbuddu mwana”.
Makebi is a “BODY GUARD OF CITUMBI” in SA. Ilibbebbede no BANTU!!.
Mr. Makebi’s move shows a total lack of wisdom, moral decency and professional ethics.
200%!
One thug replacing another thug.
JUST REMEMBER, IN ZAMBIA A FUNERAL IS DONE WITH IN THREE DAYS OF THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE. THIS ONE IS NO LONGER A FUNERAL, BUT AN ARM TWISTING STUNT, ONE THAT WILL INVITE THE FACT THAT THIS PERSON NEEDS A PSYCHIATRIST TO EXAMINE HIS MENTAL STATUS.
THAT ACT OF 40 MILLION USD BEING FOFEITED TO THE STATE EATS AT HIS NERVES AND IF NOTHING IS DONE TO HELP HIM, HS FAMILY STANDS TO LOSE HIM TO CHAINAMA. HE IS ALSO DELAYING THE CLEANSING OF THE WIDOW IF ANYTHING.
THAT RECORD OF BEING A PARTAKER IN THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME JUST PRECLUDES HIM FROM STANDING FOR ANY LEADERSHIP POSITION IN GHIS COUNTRY. HE IS A DANGER TO THE GOVERNMENT COFFERS.
HE IS PF, AND ANYONE WITH PF BLOOD IS BAD FOR ZAMBIANS.
WE ARE NOW LOOKING TO UPND TO RAISE A FUTRE LEADER TO TAKE OVER FROM HH WHEN HE RETIRES, YES YOU READ RIGHT, WHEN HE RETIRES. IT IS UPND THAT IS LEADING BY EXAMPLE, A GOOD LEASERSHIP THAT DOES NOT ROCK THE BOAT. A DECENT LEADERSHIP.
ONE THAT BRINGS PEACE. EQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH AND IS MENDING THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY PF.