Dr Zimba, who had served as former President Lungu’s political advisor has claimed that Mr Lungu had personally selected his preferred successor

By BARNABAS ZULU

LATE former President Edgar Lungu had finished the selection of the 2026 presidential candidate and the running for the Patriotic Front (PF) and its alliance partner, Tonse Alliance before he died, Zumani Zimba has claimed.
Dr Zimba, who had served as former President Lungu’s political advisor has claimed that Mr Lungu had personally selected his preferred successor under a carefully crafted “Plan B” ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Dr. Zumani disclosed that the former head of State had reportedly finalised his choice months before his death on June 5, 2025.
“Plan B is not a hoax but real and factual,” he stated. “I personally know and closely participated in his rigorous search for his 2026 chosen presidential candidate.”
According to Dr Zumani, the process was meticulous and highly confidential.
“Each week between December 2024 and January 2025, I sat with him – just the two of us – reviewing potential candidates. Only Mama Esther Lungu would sometimes join during meals, but no other person was allowed in,” he said.
He explained that the former President had aimed to select not only a presidential candidate but also a running mate to lead Tonse Alliance into the next election.
“ECL’s Plan B was a package. It included both the presidential candidate and the running mate – people who would hold direct allegiance to him as the kingmaker,” Dr Zumani explained.
He confirmed that Mr Lungu’s plan was finalised before his last visit to South Africa for treatment. “Even while in South Africa, he used to call me weekly to check in. He told me clearly – ‘the names are finalised’ – and that the announcement would be made upon his return in June.”
Dr Zumani emphasised that any speculation about the nonexistence of Plan B is false. “Those saying ECL never left his final Plan B documented somewhere are lying against him with impunity,” he said.
He urged unity within Tonse Alliance, urging members to wait for ECL’s family to reveal the late leader’s final will.
“If or when announced with evidence by his family, this must be our presidential candidate Tonse Alliance must float in 2026 – without any doubt, questions, or debate,” he said.