Makebi Zulu has emerged as a prominent voice in Zambian politics, articulating a fervent call for hope, truth, and a united Zambia, particularly at a time when opposition parties are grappling with internal conflicts. Speaking live on Facebook, Zulu emphasized that the nation stands at a critical juncture, where leadership choices will define its future. He asserted that Zambian citizens demand leaders who prioritize service over self-interest, unity over division, and the populace over personal ambition. His vision revolves around "one national flag" under which all genuine servants of the country can rally, rejecting "many competing voices" in favor of collective strength.

Zulu addressed the growing divisions within opposition ranks, cautioning that a multitude of presidential aspirants risks weakening the collective power necessary to challenge the ruling establishment. He urged opposition leaders to coalesce, present a unified front, and commit to a singular leadership direction. He framed this not as a pursuit of self-interest but as a commitment to the Zambian people, stressing that "unity built on compromise of values will never last" and must be anchored in integrity, pure intentions, and unwavering dedication to the citizens. He also reassured the public that the August 2026 general elections would proceed as scheduled, imploring Zambians to prepare to exercise their democratic right, warning that history would "judge harshly those who choose ego over national duty." Furthermore, Zulu highlighted the crucial role of youth in national development, advocating for policies that empower young Zambians beyond mere election campaigns, and called for the restoration of faith in leadership through a credible, united opposition committed to service, integrity, and national progress. He posited the national flag as more than a symbol, but a "promise to restore hope, to serve the people faithfully, and to ensure that leadership is driven by principle rather than convenience."

Despite the resonating rhetoric, critical gaps in Makebi Zulu's political strategy have been identified. Firstly, he has not presented a concrete political vehicle, leaving ambiguity around whether his call for unity is ideological, organizational, or electoral. Zambia’s political system demands registered parties, funded structures, and recognized symbols, not abstract metaphors like a "national flag" as a ballot option. Without clarifying if unity implies a coalition, merger, or endorsement of a single candidate, his aspiration remains largely unactionable.

Secondly, a detailed policy framework is conspicuously absent. While Zulu frequently criticizes ego, corruption, and moral decay, he has yet to table specific positions on pressing national issues such as debt management, energy security, agriculture pricing, or employment creation. His own warning that "unity built on compromise of values will never last" underscores the need for substantive policies, as voters ultimately choose between actionable programs, not just moral sermons.

Thirdly, his stance on the internal legitimacy of the Patriotic Front (PF) remains unresolved. Zulu operates within the PF's political sphere while simultaneously distancing himself from its internal conflicts. He has not clarified whether he recognizes the Lubinda-led structures, rejects the Chabinga legal claims, or is prepared to leave the PF if judicial rulings preclude his path. In a party marked by injunctions, rival conventions, and competing presidential hopefuls, such ambiguity can be politically costly.

Fourthly, his electoral arithmetic for 2026 is missing. Despite his confidence, Zulu has not publicly engaged with the practical numbers. With an updated ECZ voters’ roll of approximately eight million, and regions historically leaning towards the UPND accounting for roughly 2.5 million registered voters, winning necessitates a national coalition that transcends geography, ethnicity, and class. Makebi Zulu has not elucidated how his "national flag" concept translates into securing a majority under the 50-plus-one rule.

Fifthly, there is a lack of clarity regarding leadership hierarchy. While he advocates for opposition leaders to "speak with one voice," he has not articulated whether he is prepared to defer to another leader if consensus demands it, or if he expects others to rally behind his leadership. Without clear authority, calls for unity frequently descend into further fragmentation.

Finally, a significant contradiction exists between his moralizing tone and the cynical political terrain he navigates. Zulu calls for "clean hands and pure intentions" within an opposition landscape rife with suspicion, litigation, and public accusations. Yet, he has failed to outline concrete mechanisms for trust-building, dispute resolution, or candidate selection that would safeguard unity from inevitable pressures. Zambia's political history indicates that successful parties, like the PF in 2011 and UPND in 2021, achieved power not only by harnessing public sentiment but by establishing robust structures, alliances, and clear leadership lines. Makebi Zulu's challenge, therefore, lies in translating moral clarity into political organization, unity rhetoric into electoral strategy, and a national flag metaphor into a viable name on the ballot.

Adding a sharp counter-narrative, Sikaile C Sikaile, an aspiring MP for Sichifulo Constituency in 2026, dismissed Makebi Zulu's appeal for unity as "nothing but political grandstanding" and an "imaginary dream." Sikaile contended that there is a higher probability of the devil being delivered than Zambia’s fragmented and power-hungry opposition uniting. He critically questioned Zulu's sincerity, particularly in light of his involvement in the saga concerning the remains of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL). Sikaile argued that had Zulu demonstrated integrity, maturity, and genuine mediation, ECL would have been buried with dignity by now, instead of the situation being prolonged, politicized, and manipulated, causing national embarrassment.

Sikaile further challenged Makebi Zulu's credibility, asking what tangible policies he has presented beyond a narrative centered on changing power, which Sikaile believes is primarily for the benefit of Zulu's clients, many of whom face corruption charges. He raised a fundamental concern: how can an individual publicly known as a lawyer for those convicted of stealing public resources credibly champion the fight against corruption? Sikaile asserted that leadership demands moral authority, consistency, and demonstrated integrity, suggesting that Zulu’s words on unity are contradicted by his actions and record. He also claimed that Zulu is aware that no South African court would permit ECL’s remains to be buried there, implying that the current actions are merely political maneuvers. Sikaile concluded by advising Makebi Zulu to focus on his entrusted role of announcing funeral updates and leave national leadership rhetoric to those with genuine vision and commitment to Zambia’s future.