Muhabi Lungu’s bombshell of uncomfortable truth
By Dr Lawrence Mwelwa
IN the political arena, truth often arrives quietly but strikes deeply, prompting necessary yet uncomfortable introspection. Muhabi Lungu compels us to question: Is our political terrain inherently structured to disadvantage opposition parties through an uneven playing field, or have opposition leaders themselves become their own greatest obstacle?
While every citizen retains the sacred right to aspire for the presidency, there’s a renewed call for deeper introspection and careful evaluation of readiness before seeking this high office. Aspiration must never be confused with capability. Political leadership, especially at the presidential level, demands rigorous self-assessment and sober recognition of one’s actual preparedness. Yet, as Lungu meticulously highlights, many candidates enter the presidential race on little more than fleeting popularity or transient media praise, neglecting the reality that popularity is not competence.
True maturity in opposition politics is demonstrated through competence and preparedness to function effectively as a shadow government, rather than merely engaging in protest politics. Opposition parties are entrusted with the sacred duty of holding incumbents accountable by offering viable policy alternatives. African wisdom reminds us that, “Empty drums make the loudest noise.” Unfortunately, too many opposition leaders confuse volume with effectiveness, rendering their campaigns irrelevant when tested at the ballot.
Repeated electoral failures should prompt reflection, not stubborn persistence. Nevers Mumba’s trajectory from 2.24% in 2001 to 0.10% in 2021 is a cautionary tale—persistent yet lacking introspection. Chinese wisdom states, “A wise man learns more from his enemies than a fool from his friends.” Yet many opposition figures have not learned from repeated electoral defeats, mistaking stubbornness for resilience.
Lungu rightly calls for opposition leaders to exhibit political maturity by choosing unity and cooperation over individual ambition. The African proverb, “One finger cannot lift a pebble,” underscores the necessity for collaborative strength. Opposition parties that continue to splinter their votes merely ensure their collective failure.
Zambia’s future hinges upon opposition leaders embracing the sobering responsibility of a credible, cohesive, and prepared shadow government. Achieving this requires a departure from ego-driven politics to issue-based, mature governance approaches. Muhabi Lungu’s bombshell of truth challenges opposition parties to elevate their discourse, abandon personal ambitions for national interest, and truly embody the role of an effective and credible alternative government.
It is now upon opposition leaders to choose wisely: continue down a path of fragmented irrelevance or unite in maturity, ready themselves genuinely, and provide Zambia with the robust political competition essential for democracy’s health and growth.
