By Brian Matambo – Lusaka, Zambia

A wave of condemnation has followed remarks attributed to former Patriotic Front (PF) deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri, who was quoted by Sunday Diggers as saying that a Bemba–Eastern alliance would guarantee victory in the 2026 general elections.

Phiri reportedly made the comments in a WhatsApp group discussion, suggesting that “if a Bemba picks an Easterner as running mate, we will win.” The remarks quickly went viral, sparking accusations of tribal politicking at a time when Zambia’s political discourse is under intense scrutiny.

Prominent academic Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa was among the first to denounce the statement, describing it as “abhorrent tribalism and divisive talk of regionalism.” Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Sishuwa said Zambia’s progress cannot depend on the ethnicity of leaders but on competence, integrity, and national unity.

“To develop, Zambia does not need a given region or an individual from a particular ethnic group in State House,” he said. “We must remain One Zambia, One Nation. If Hichilema is to be removed from office, it should be because he has failed to govern, not because of his tribe.”

Patriotic Front Chairperson for Information and Publicity Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba also distanced the party from Phiri’s remarks, saying such rhetoric has no place in the Patriotic Front’s vision.

“Hon. Mumbi Phiri is on her own. This approach will not be tolerated in the Patriotic Front,” Mwamba wrote on his Facebook page. “We should immediately and publicly denounce any slide into tribalism or any campaign based on ethnic orientation.”

Mumbi Phiri has not yet issued a formal clarification, but party insiders say the PF is keen to avoid being associated with regional politics as it rebuilds its image ahead of the 2026 polls.

The controversy has reignited debate over tribal narratives in Zambian politics, with many citizens and analysts warning that any return to ethnic-based campaigning could undermine the country’s long-standing unity motto — “One Zambia, One Nation.”