United for a Better Zambia reportedly adopts Lungu as 2026 presidential candidate

The United for a Better Zambia (UBZ) has officially adopted former President Edgar Lungu as its presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections.

UBZ president, Pastor Hector Sondo, announced the decision following a Central Committee meeting held on October 19, 2024.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Sondo said the adoption was in line with Article 60 of the Zambian Constitution, which grants political parties the right to sponsor candidates for state elections.

“Article 60 (1) states that a political party has the right to sponsor candidates for state elections or nominate individuals for state office where elections are required,” Sondo explained.

He noted that UBZ had previously been part of a 16-party alliance that supported President Lungu and the Patriotic Front (PF) during the 2021 general elections.

Sondo further revealed that UBZ had left the former United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) after the alliance refused to endorse Lungu as its candidate for the 2026 elections.

“The decision to adopt President Lungu for the 2026 general elections was not accepted by other members of the UKA Council of Presidents,” Sondo stated.

He has since directed UBZ Secretary-General Josiah Malesu to formally notify PF Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda and President Lungu of the adoption.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.