MUNDUBILE CLARIFIES “I WILL RULE LIKE LUNGU” REMARKS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO UNITY AND CLEAN GOVERNANCE
Tonse alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has clarified remarks attributed to him under the headline “I will rule like Lungu,” stating that his words were taken out of context and misrepresented in a recent media report.
In a statement issued following the publication in Wednesday’s edition of News Diggers, Mundubile said his comments were meant to highlight former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s commitment to national unity and development, and not to suggest an endorsement of governance weaknesses associated with his administration.
Mundubile emphasized that he respects media freedom and acknowledged the role of the press in a democratic society. He stated that, if elected in the August 13 general elections, his administration would work collaboratively with both public and private media institutions, many of which he noted have operated under challenging conditions.
He further rejected assertions that he would tolerate cadresism or corruption, stressing that at no point did he indicate his leadership would condone such practices.
“The suggestion that a commitment to national unity translates into tolerating bad practices is inaccurate,” the statement read.
Mundubile explained that his reference to former President Lungu was anchored on his approach to inclusive governance, citing examples of infrastructure development across various regions of the country.
In a verbatim excerpt of his remarks, Mundubile praised Lungu’s development record, pointing to projects such as the Chingola-Solwezi road, rural electrification in Dundumwezi, and the establishment of health posts and police infrastructure in districts like Monze.
He noted that such projects demonstrated Lungu’s philosophy of serving all Zambians regardless of political affiliation.
“That’s the sort of president I want to be a president for all Zambians, even those who may not vote for me,” Mundubile said.
The PF candidate also aligned his vision with sentiments previously expressed by President Hakainde Hichilema on inclusive leadership, reiterating that national unity remains central to his political agenda.
The clarification comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2026 general elections, with political players increasingly scrutinized over statements and policy positions.
Mundubile’s remarks are expected to shape ongoing debate around governance, legacy, and leadership style as the country moves closer to the polls.
Mr. Lungu’s ruling philosophy was “divide and rule”, something he probably adopted from the British colonial masters and used to effectively divide our country on tribal and regional basis. We are still grappling with the consequences of his divisive rule. He didn’t care a hoot about natiinal unity. He didn’t care about Zambia.
His so called development projects were a conduit for syphoning public funds into his and his officials’ pockets. They became filthy rich and left our country with a heavy debt millstone around our collective neck.
There is nothing worth emulating about Mr. Lungu. He is an example of all that is bad in a leader.