By Manga Chiti
FORMER President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has come to terms with the legal reality and told some senior members of the Tonse alliance that he will not be available for 2026 elections.
Mr. Lungu, who has not been seen in the public eye close to two months, cited health considerations and legal implications as the main reasons for his latest decision. 
Mr. Lungu believes the Constitutional Court judgment that ruled against him will not allow him to contest the 2026 presidential elections.
Among the leaders that Mr. Lungu informed about his latest decision include, Patriot Front (PF) faction vice president Given Lubinda, Raphael Nakachinda, Patriots for Economic Progress leader, who is also the Tonse Alliance spokesperson, Sean Tembo, Christian Democratic party leader, Dr. Dan Pule and New Congress Party President Peter Chanda.
Mr. Lungu, who is believed to be receiving treatment in South Africa, is convinced that the incumbent Republican President, Hakainde Hichilema, will use all the powers of State institutions to stop him from contesting the 2026 presidential elections.
He further alluded to his falling health, which his close family members, including his wife Esther and children, were concerned about.
Lungu’s decision has, however, thrown the Tonse Alliance in disarray, which has resulted in pockets of cartels building within the PF party and the Alliance jostling to identify a suitable person to lead the PF and the Alliance.
Following this development, Given Lubinda and Raphael Nakachinda have closed ranks to take up the mantle and agreed for Lubinda to lead the flock while Nakachinda takes the running mate ticket.
On the other hand, Peter Chanda claims to have been the one who convinced President Lungu to come back to active politics so that the former Head of State could lead the opposition Alliance in the 2026 general election.
Chanda also boasts of being in the driving seat already, with a presence in Parliament through Petauke Central parliamentary seat.
Sean Tembo says if it’s not Edgar Lungu, it’s him.
Mporokoso PF member of Parliament, Brian Muntayalwa Mundubile, vocal Lunte member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwa, and others are plotting a break-away movement to be announced soon.
