‘Lungu, a leopard that can’t change its spots,’ UPND Secretary-General, Imenda, berates former president

UPND Secretary-General, Batuke Imenda, has labeled former president Edgar Lungu as a leopard that cannot change its spots and wants to decieve Zambians with apologies.

Imenda has also declared that the former president remained the weakest opposition leader to beat in the 2026 elections, urging his supporters to prepare for this reality.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Imenda argued that genuine forgiveness required a full and sincere confession, which he claimed Lungu had not provided.

Imenda accused Lungu of attempting to deceive Zambians with a casual apology for the atrocities committed during his tenure, aiming to make a political comeback.

“Just three weeks ago, at a public rally organized by Citizens First in Samfya, he threatened public service workers with punishment if they did not support his cause should he return to power,” Imenda said.

He criticized the former president for the numerous alleged criminal activities committed under his rule and warned citizens not to overlook these offenses.

Imenda stated that while Lungu seeks to frame the crimes he apologized for as minor incidents involving cadres, his misrule was far more severe.

“There were countless political murders and financial crimes that turned our beloved country into a banana republic, condemned by the international community,” Imenda said.

He alleged that Lungu was now using ill-gotten wealth to fund his failed bid for a political comeback.

Imenda reassured that the UPND was not concerned by Lungu’s aspirations, confident that Zambians can see through his schemes and understand his true motives, which he claimed involved massive corruption.

“If Mr. Lungu has genuinely reflected on the pain he inflicted on the country, has he apologized to his victims who lost their lives and those who suffered under his government’s violence and repression?” Imenda asked.

He pointed out that Lungu’s recent statements about wanting to protect his family from ongoing investigations into alleged abuse of authority and acquisition of suspiciously acquired properties revealed his true intentions.

Imenda stated that Lungu’s attempt to portray himself as reformed through scripted speeches would not fool Zambians, who are still grappling with the effects of his previous administration..

During a media briefing at the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) Secretariat in Woodlands, Lungu was quoted saying: “I can reform and do better if we bounce back to power in 2026.”

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