The Patriotic Front (PF) has entered a decisive new phase in its leadership contest, marked by a powerful display of renewed strength and unity at its Secretariat in Lusaka. Despite repeated claims by the ruling UPND government that the PF was politically finished, the scenes on Monday, November 10, 2025, told a different story. Hundreds of supporters thronged the party grounds, singing, chanting, and waving party regalia, signaling what many observers are calling a “rebirth” for the opposition party.

Central to this resurgence is Lusaka lawyer Makebi Zulu, spokesperson for the late President Edgar Lungu’s family, who officially joined the race for the PF party presidency. Escorted by a massive crowd of supporters, Zulu submitted his expression of interest and paid the required K200,000 nomination fee at the party secretariat. His campaign is founded on principles of unity, peace, and national inclusion, deeply cherished by the late sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Zulu affirmed his commitment, stating:

“I am running for office in honor of President Lungu, who believed in a united Zambia. Our campaign is about restoring that spirit where citizens can speak freely, where opportunity is not determined by tribe or politics, and where we move forward together as one nation.”

He further emphasized the importance of freedom of expression as a fundamental right for every Zambian, advocating for an atmosphere of trust and openness. Zulu also outlined a vision for addressing critical national challenges such as poverty and unemployment, asserting the need for urgent, decisive leadership to create equal opportunities for all Zambians.

Makebi Zulu’s entry follows the formal nominations filed earlier on Sunday by acting PF President Given Lubinda and Luapula Member of Parliament Chanda Katotobwe. Speaking after his filing, Lubinda underscored the PF's commitment to transparency and democracy, expressing his dedication to the party:

“This is an event which underscores what the PF is all about. It shows that the Patriotic Front is indeed a transparent and democratic party. I have come today to join my other brothers to express interest in filing nominations for consideration for election to the position of president of the Patriotic Front.”

With the party gearing up for the 2026 general elections, the leadership race is described as tightly contested, attracting numerous prominent figures. During the filing of Zulu’s nomination, former PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri urged him to maintain steadfast leadership and uphold discipline and respect throughout his campaign. She passionately declared:

“Makebi, what you are witnessing here today is an acceptance from the youths. So go and lead a disciplined youth and a respectful campaign. If you see me insulting another leader, especially your fellow aspirants, chase me because politics of insults have no place in our campaign.”

Phiri stressed that the PF’s strength lies in its ability to foster order and mutual respect even amidst competitive internal politics, aiming to demonstrate that “democracy and discipline can coexist” and that the contest should unite, not divide, the party.

Beyond Zulu, Lubinda, and Katotobwe, a comprehensive list of senior officials and notable figures are also vying for the PF presidency. These include party spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba, former Transport Minister Brian Mushimba, South Africa-based businessman Willah Mudolo, Mporokoso lawmaker Brian Mundubile, Lunte Constituency lawmaker Mutotwe Kafwaya, Matero lawmaker Miles Sampa, and Central Committee member Dr. Chishimba Kambwili. Additionally, former Defence Ministers Greyford Monde and Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, Mansa Central lawmaker Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, and Lusaka businessman Goodward Mulubwa have joined the race.

This critical internal election comes as the PF prepares to hold its national conference in November 2025, the first since the passing of party President Edgar Lungu on June 5, 2025, in South Africa. President Lungu's body has yet to be buried due to an ongoing impasse between his family and the Zambian government over repatriation. The conference is a crucial preparatory step for the national general elections scheduled for August 13, 2026. Political observers believe Makebi Zulu’s entry, coupled with the vibrant turnout at the Secretariat, could significantly redefine Zambia’s political landscape, signaling that the Patriotic Front is far from finished and potentially commencing a new chapter in its history.