By Ollus Ndomu
Zambia’s political landscape is once again ablaze with fervor and discord as former President Edgar Lungu’s unexpected return to active politics elicits a whirlwind of divergent reactions, creating ripples across the nation.
Renowned political analyst Bizeck Phiri casts a shadow of doubt over Lungu’s re-entry into the political fray.
Expressing skepticism, Phiri highlights the potential detrimental impact on the prospects of the Patriotic Front (PF) in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Phiri contends that Lungu’s comeback might further enfeeble the party’s ability to clinch victory, advocating for fresh faces to steer the party’s revival.
In a contrasting stance, Human Rights Defender Brebner Changala welcomes Lungu’s resurgence, emphasizing the urgency for the former head of state to shed light on alleged mistreatment during his absence from the political scene.
Changala says Lungu’s return is important for rescuing the PF from its current plight, heralding a formidable challenge for President Hakainde Hichilema.
Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa downplays the surprise factor of Lungu’s return, affirming the former president’s continuous involvement in active politics.
Mweetwa’s statements suggest an expected trajectory in Lungu’s re-engagement despite the upheaval it stirs within the party.
Adding to the storm, Lungu’s return arises amid a chaotic backdrop within the PF. The party faces a leadership crisis, with Miles Sampa at the helm, although his ascension is shrouded in legal challenges.
Lawsuits mount over the disputed manner in which Sampa assumed leadership, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the PF’s internal stability.
_Edgar Lungu’s return has reignited the fervor in Zambian politics, setting the stage for a turbulent yet transformative chapter.
As the nation braces for the repercussions, a palpable sense of anticipation and uncertainty looms over the future course of the Patriotic Front and the broader political landscape._
The atmosphere remains charged with intrigue, awaiting the unfolding chapters of this unexpected and gripping political saga.
