ECL eligible to contest 2026 Presidency, says Musoma
By ADRIAN MWANZA
NOTHING can hinder former President Edgar Lungu if he intends to stand for the 2026 presidency if he so wishes because the constitution does not bar him since he did not finish his term, says Zambia Republican Party president Wright Musoma.
Mr Musoma was reacting to calls by some members of the PF who are rooting for the former head of State to stand on the PF ticket in 2026 which the party’s vice president, Mr Given Lubinda vehemently denied.
Mr Lubinda said that it was just a rumour that was neither here nor there and that he had not heard such a thing from any of his members.
He said that Mr Lungu was a relatively young man who had a lot of energy and charisma and if he wanted to stand on the PF ticket in the coming presidential election he was free to do so.
Mr Musoma however said that the members needed to respect Mr Lungu’s decision of quiting politics after serving the country diligently.
“My plea to those pushing this agenda is to let the big man rest because he has done a lot for us and we have to give that respect,” he said.
He said that the PF had a good number of experienced members who were capable of taking over the mantle from Mr Lungu.
Mr Musoma said the likes of Chishimba Kambwili, Joseph Malanji, Brian Mundubile, Ronald Chitotela, Dr Bwalya Ng’andu and Stephen Kampyongo all had leadership qualities that could make the party a formidable institution.
He said that people should not put pressure on Mr Lungu but let him enjoy his retirement with his family and associates.
