Muhabi rages on ahead of 13th August backs BM&MZ
Lusaka, July 12, 2026 — Staff Reporter
In a fiery Prime TV interview with Paul Shingongo, veteran analyst Muhabi Lungu laid bare the stakes ahead of Zambia’s August 13 polls, warning that the greatest threat to the nation is a president who clings to power through ethnicity and tribalism.
“That is the one who burns this nation,” Muhabi declared, urging Zambians to reject divisive politics and embrace leaders who speak to ordinary people rather than figures on paper.
Muhabi dismissed claims that the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance had “failed” to field candidates in 26 constituencies, insisting instead that strategic forfeiture was not failure but a tactical choice.
He reminded viewers that for years the ruling UPND has stifled opposition voices, citing examples from respected institutions like the African Union, the United Nations, and even the U.S. State Department, all of which have raised concerns about shrinking democratic space.
“If you want to compete, allow everyone,” Muhabi said, adding that attempts to push Brian Mundubile off the ballot were proof of fear in the incumbent camp.
Commending Mundubile, Muhabi outlined his distinguished CV: a chartered accountant, former Chief Whip in Parliament, and Provincial Minister with sober experience.
He stressed that Mundubile’s humility and ability to connect with ordinary citizens set him apart. “He addresses ordinary people. He knows civil servants are not partisan.
He speaks of professionalising the civil service, not threatening it,” Muhabi said, countering deliberate misrepresentations.
On the economy, Muhabi rejected distortions of Mundubile’s position on foreign reserves. “There is no evidence he rubbished reserves. He said life must be good for citizens.
HH himself once said ‘bantu don’t eat figures.’ Brian is saying the same thing — that reserves mean little if suppliers go unpaid and families starve.”
The interview also touched on sensitive matters, including the delayed burial of former President Edgar Lungu.
Muhabi argued that the state, not the family, stalled the process, noting that history is replete with similar cases — from Kwame Nkrumah to Félix Tshisekedi. “If Mundubile says burial will happen after victory, what is wrong with that?” he asked.
Muhabi condemned intimidation of opposition leaders like Gary Nkombo and warned against the arrogance of incumbency.
“Arrogance kills politicians in Africa,” he said, citing examples from Uganda’s Idi Amin to apartheid South Africa from another interview.
He urged Zambians to turn out in huge numbers, as they always do, and vote peacefully.
As the buses roll into districts and campaign drums beat louder, Muhabi’s words echo: Zambia stands at a crossroads.
The choice is between a politics of division and a politics of dignity. “We disagree on principle,” he concluded, “but we will not be scared.”
By Staff Reporter, July 12, 2026
