The Secretary-General of Zambia’s ruling party, UPND, Batuke Imenda, has launched a scathing attack on former President Edgar Lungu, labeling the ex-leader as a leopard that cannot change its spots and wants to decieve Zambians with apologies.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Imenda describer Lungu as the weakest opposition leader to beat in the 2026 presidential elections, while urging his supporters to prepare for the reality of defeat.
Imenda further argued that despite a series of apologies tendered by Lungu, genuine forgiveness requires a full and sincere confession, which he claimed Lungu had not provided.
Imenda also accused Lungu of attempting to deceive Zambians with a casual apology for the atrocities committed during his tenure, with the aim of making 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 in the statement.
He criticized the former president for the alleged criminal activities committed under his rule and warned citizens not to overlook these offenses, adding that Lungu is now seeking 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.
“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.