The internal dynamics within the opposition have revealed a concerning trend where factions are attacking each other, a strategy deemed counterproductive and leading to political stagnation. The fundamental objective of opposition politics, which is to form the next government by offering credible alternative policies to the incumbent, is being undermined by these actions. Personal attacks are frequently seen as a smokescreen, used to obscure a lack of substantive policy dialogue. Voters, having witnessed these tactics repeatedly, are increasingly discerning and stand to gain nothing from such infighting. It is evident that voters recognize when accusations are politically motivated; for instance, if allegations of wrongdoing against figures like Mundubile were credible, legal action would have been taken much earlier.

A notable example of this internal strife involves a heated phone conversation where the 'political leopard,' Kambwili, vehemently accused Mporokoso Member of Parliament Mundubile of theft, specifically alleging the issuance of invoices for uncompleted work. Kambwili swore he would ensure Mundubile's arrest, asserting he possessed compelling evidence of Mundubile's purported illicit activities. He also alleged that Mundubile was using surrogates, including PF Northern Province information publicity secretary Charles Kashishi, to wage his battles. Contrasting himself with Mundubile, Kambwili boasted of his own integrity, stating he had never stolen from the Zambian people, and warned against those who 'live in glass houses throwing stones.' However, when contacted for comment, Kambwili notably evaded the call, handing his phone to his grandchildren who claimed it was now theirs for playing. Mundubile also remained unresponsive to multiple calls.

Further exacerbating the disunity within the opposition, particularly within the Patriotic Front (PF), are the actions of acting president Given Lubinda. He has been actively involved in removing party leaders, including Mandevu MP Christopher Shakafuswa, from their positions. Lubinda publicly lamented that he was solely funding his PF faction, prompting Shakafuswa to challenge him to name the specific projects he had personally financed. The divisions extend to presidential candidatures, with Davies Mwila publicly backing Mundubile, while other senior party members such as Jean Kapata and Godfridah Sumaili have endorsed Makebi Zulu. Lubinda also controversially expelled fellow presidential aspirant Dr. Chitalu Chilufya for voting in favor of Bill 7, an expulsion that Dr. Chilufya promptly dismissed, declaring his intention to become the next PF president.

Such internal conflict and personal vendettas are characterized as naive, utterly careless, and politically suicidal. The luxury of turning 'salvos against Hichilema' onto a fellow opposition leader is one the opposition cannot afford, especially when facing a 'very formidable candidate' in Hichilema. The imperative now is for the opposition to unequivocally condemn attacks within their ranks, close ranks, and present a united front. The focus must shift from internal bickering to offering concrete policy alternatives to the incumbent government, thereby demonstrating a clear path towards forming the next government. This article was published by Catherine Pule Kalemba on December 31, 2025.