The relationship between leaders and their supporters is often complex, but unquestioning praise, while seemingly supportive, can be detrimental to both parties. This dynamic is vividly illustrated by a scenario where a president repeatedly reverses decisions, such as canceling and then reinstating national mourning or proposing and then deferring a bill due to insufficient consultation. In each instance, servile supporters uncritically laud the president's contradictory stances, praising every action as a "wise decision" or affirming that the president is "telling the truth" and is a "listening president." Such blind affirmation, however, ultimately harms the leader by fostering a false sense of their ideas' reception and efficacy, akin to an "emperor walking around with no clothes." It also diminishes the leader's respect for their own followers and, more profoundly, corrupts the integrity and independent thought of the supporters themselves.

A compelling historical example of this principle played out in Zambian politics with President Frederick Chiluba's succession choice. Despite fierce loyalty from his top MMD leaders, Chiluba bypassed them to select Levy Mwanawasa, an 'outsider' who had famously resigned as Vice President due to disagreements over corruption allegations. While Chiluba was initially angered by Mwanawasa's defiance, this act of principled opposition ultimately earned Mwanawasa Chiluba's respect, as it demonstrated loyalty to principles over blind allegiance to a man. When the time came to choose a successor, Chiluba sought out Mwanawasa, recognizing the character that stood out from those who had consistently praised his every move, including his ill-fated attempt at a third presidential term.

Ironically, this very decision by Chiluba sparked a significant moment for Michael Sata. Sata, who had previously been unfailingly loyal, for the first time expressed strong disagreement with a presidential decision. Chiluba, surprised by Sata's unexpected defiance, had never imagined such opposition from him. This act, however, became a pivotal moment, revealing Sata's own leadership potential. As President Mwanawasa later turned against Chiluba, Chiluba himself became a supporter of Sata and his opposition Patriotic Front. Had Sata not finally articulated his true feelings, he might have remained merely a "loyal pretender" within the ruling party, never realizing his full leadership capabilities.

While it is natural and even commendable to support a favorite president with enthusiasm or defend them against unfair attacks, true integrity demands more. In moments where one genuinely believes their leader is mistaken or misguided, it is a moral imperative to speak up. This honest dissent lends credibility to one's expressions of support, making them carry genuine weight. The gravest error a supporter can make is to "switch off your brain" and defend decisions that are confusing or disturbing, as this only enables the leader's self-delusion. More critically, such unquestioning support—or automatic opposition—without independent, honest thought is a betrayal of one's own mind and soul, an act of "treason against reason."

The author of these insights, Chanda Chisala, is the Founder of Zambia Online and Khama Institute. His distinguished background includes serving as a John S. Knight Fellow at Stanford University, a Visiting Scholar at the Hoover Institution (a policy think tank at Stanford), and a Reagan Fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, DC. He can be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/chandachisala.