Former Minister of Justice, Given Lubinda, has warned the Patriotic Front (PF) to brace themselves for oppressive times ahead as the United Party for National Development (UPND) becomes more tyrannical. Lubinda’s comments come in response to the vulgarities and invectives that have been directed towards former President Edgar Lungu by his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema.
Lubinda, who is a former member of the PF and now serves as an independent member of parliament, has cautioned that the UPND is threatened by the PF’s growing strength, unity, and popularity. He believes that the governing party will employ all dictatorial schemes in the book to annihilate the former ruling party, so that it can have an easy passage to victory in the 2026 elections.
The former minister’s warning comes amidst a heated political climate in Zambia, with tensions running high between the ruling UPND and the opposition PF. The UPND came to power in August 2021, after winning a decisive victory in the presidential elections. However, since then, there have been reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence directed towards opposition party members and supporters.
According to Lubinda, the recent invectives directed towards former President Lungu by President Hichilema are a warning sign of the UPND’s growing authoritarianism. The former minister has accused Hichilema of using vulgar language and threatening violence against his political opponents. He also claims that the UPND is using state power to harass and intimidate opposition party members.
Lubinda has warned that if the UPND continues on this path, it will only lead to a more oppressive and tyrannical government. He has called on the international community to pay close attention to the situation in Zambia and to hold the government accountable for any abuses of power.
The former minister’s comments have been met with mixed reactions from across the political spectrum. While some have praised him for speaking out against the UPND’s alleged abuses of power, others have accused him of sour grapes, given his past affiliation with the PF.
The UPND has dismissed Lubinda’s claims, describing them as baseless and unfounded. In a recent statement, the ruling party accused the former minister of trying to stir up trouble and create divisions within the Zambian political landscape.
