By Brian Matambo – Lusaka, Zambia

Hon. Chifumu Banda SC, the veteran lawyer and President of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), has issued a clarion call for unity among Zambia’s opposition parties as the nation approaches the 2026 general elections. Speaking during a press briefing at the FDD secretariat, Hon. Banda warned that without cohesion, the opposition risks being outmaneuvered, divided, and ultimately rendered powerless in the face of a determined ruling party.

Hon. Banda emphasized that the Zambian people are yearning for alternatives, but that desire will be meaningless if opposition parties continue to work in isolation. He described the danger of fragmentation as a “bridge” that outsiders can exploit to weaken opposition movements, stressing that unity is not a matter of convenience but of political survival. He underscored that opposition leaders must “sit down, bury differences, and literally become one” in order to present a credible alternative. “It is not only the brand of one party that can guarantee votes,” Hon. Banda said, adding that what Zambians want is a coalition of leaders who can rise above narrow interests to serve the common good.

A recurring theme in Hon. Banda’s remarks was his disdain for the growing trend of moneyed individuals attempting to buy influence within the opposition. He cautioned that financial contributions do not equate to leadership credibility, nor should they be allowed to dilute respect for established party structures. “If giving money means that when you give then you lose respect for leadership, no one should ever accept money,” Hon. Banda argued, in what seemed to be a veiled reference to recent controversies within the Patriotic Front and other parties. He also warned against external actors who, through money or strategic manipulation, could impose their will on opposition parties, creating divisions that benefit the ruling establishment.

Hon. Banda acknowledged the growing disillusionment among Zambia’s young people, many of whom see the recycling of older politicians as a betrayal of generational change. He urged the opposition not to ignore the youth, but to engage them meaningfully, offering space for their voices, energy, and innovation. “A useful candidate is one who has the love of the people, the ability to work with others, and the ability to understand the struggles of ordinary Zambians,” Hon. Banda said, emphasizing that leadership cannot be sustained by age or wealth alone.

Responding to questions from journalists, Hon. Banda reiterated that opposition unity must go beyond rhetoric and be demonstrated in action. Journalists pressed him on whether such unity would translate into a credible single candidate, and whether the recycling of older leaders was undermining youth participation. He replied that what matters most is character and values, not age or personal wealth. “Danger lies in behavior, not in age,” Hon. Banda said, urging Zambians to focus on empathy, service, and the capacity to work with others as the true tests of leadership.

In closing, Hon. Banda reiterated that unity is not optional but existential. He described 2026 as a defining moment, warning that a divided opposition would be a gift to the ruling elite. Yet he also held out hope, noting that if parties work together, Zambia could witness a turning point: “If we wait together, I can assure you, we will be there for the people of Zambia.” His intervention carries weight because it comes from a seasoned statesman and lawyer with decades of political and legal experience. At a time when opposition parties appear increasingly vulnerable to division, his words serve both as a rebuke to petty rivalries and a rallying cry for collective strategy.

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