The Editor Zambia
Antonio Mwanza has raised an uncomfortable but necessary truth about Zambia’s opposition politics.
His remarks that some opposition leaders are not genuinely seeking unity but rather attempting to recruit others into supporting their personal ambitions deserve serious reflection from citizens and political players alike. 
For months now, opposition leaders have repeatedly spoken about the need for “unity” ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The language sounds noble and patriotic. Zambians naturally want to see leaders who can put aside personal interests for the sake of national progress.
However, as Mwanza correctly points out, many of these unity calls are not accompanied by honesty, sacrifice, or meaningful compromise.
Instead, what the country is witnessing is a contest of egos disguised as coalition building.
Every opposition leader appears willing to invite others into an alliance, but only on the condition that they remain presidential candidate. That is not unity.
That is merely a demand for endorsement. Real unity requires political maturity and the humility to accept that leadership may emerge from another individual if circumstances demand it.
Mwanza’s observation becomes even more relevant when viewed against the current happenings within the opposition. Brian Mundubile recently called on fellow opposition figures such as Harry Kalaba, Kelvin Fube Bwalya, Fred M’membe and Makebi Zulu to join his political project.
At the same time, the WE’RE One Zambia Alliance has thrown its support behind Mundubile’s presidential bid.
Yet Dr. M’membe rejected the approach, arguing that unity cannot be built through public declarations and media headlines.
His response indirectly reinforced Mwanza’s argument that many of these overtures are more about political positioning than genuine consensus building.
The Zambian people are intelligent enough to recognise the difference between authentic coalition building and political opportunism. Genuine unity discussions happen quietly, honestly, and strategically.
They involve policy alignment, ideological compatibility, and shared national priorities. They do not begin and end with one person insisting on occupying the top seat.
Unfortunately, opposition politics in Zambia has increasingly become personality driven rather than issue based. Many parties are built around individuals instead of clear philosophies or programmes.
As a result, alliances become fragile because they are rooted in ambition rather than principle.
This explains why opposition coalitions often collapse before they can inspire public confidence. Leaders spend more time fighting over positions than presenting solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges.
Citizens struggling with the cost of living, unemployment, and service delivery want serious alternatives, not endless political negotiations centred on personal ambition.
Mwanza is, therefore, correct to challenge opposition leaders to practice the same humility they preach. If leaders genuinely believe in rescuing Zambia, then they must be willing to compromise.
Some may need to support others. Others may need to step aside entirely for the greater good. Without such sacrifice, the repeated calls for unity will remain hollow political slogans.
Importantly, Mwanza’s remarks should not be interpreted as opposition to unity itself. On the contrary, his comments are a call for honest and principled unity.
There is nothing wrong with opposition parties working together. In fact, strong democracies benefit from coalitions and broad consensus. However, unity built on deception, manipulation, or inflated egos cannot survive.
Zambia’s political history offers many lessons about alliances formed without trust and ideological coherence. Most of them eventually disintegrate because they were founded on convenience instead of conviction.
As the country moves closer to the 2026 elections, voters will carefully assess whether opposition leaders are offering credible leadership or simply engaging in political theatrics. The electorate wants leaders who can rise above self-interest and place national interests first.
Antonio Mwanza may have spoken bluntly, but his message reflects a reality many Zambians already understand. Unity is not about gathering people around one individual’s ambition.
It is about building shared purpose, mutual respect, and collective sacrifice. Until opposition leaders embrace that truth, their calls for unity will continue sounding more like recruitment campaigns than genuine national projects.
