Former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, has vowed to continue to fight his successor, Hakainde Hichilema, whom he described as a “dictator” following a series of police harassment since he declared his intention to contest for the presidency in the 2026 elections.
Lungu’s comments came after the police barricaded the Patriotic Front (PF) Secretariat on Panganani Road in Lusaka on Tuesday in anticipation of clashes between party factions and possible attacks from political opponents.
Lungu who addressed journalists at the PF Secretariat following the invasion by the police, vowed that the recent suspension of three Constitutional Court judges would not stop him from running for the presidency, describing the situation in the judiciary as saddening.
Lungu said despite plans by the Hichilema administration to intimidate him and his supporters, he was determined to contest in 2026, promising to fight his way back to State House through legal means.
“We are going to fight the dictator in State House and save Zambia’s democracy,” Lungu declared, referring to the current president, whom he accused of using police to instill fear among the opposition and ordinary Zambians.
“We shall do it legally and win with the support of the Zambian people in 2026 to restore our country.”
Lungu insisted that the Head of State is a “dictator,” criticizing what he saw as an abuse of police power to suppress political dissent.
He reassured civil servants still working within the government not to fear for their jobs, urging them to continue their duties with dedication as “time for change is near.”
The former president who also condemned the actions of police officers at his rallies, recalled an incident in Lundazi District, Eastern Province, where his meeting was disrupted.
“Late President Michael Sata taught us not to fear anyone. Those who try to instill fear in others are cowards and will not defeat me in 2026. The power is in the hands of the Zambians, not those in State House,” Lungu asserted.