Organized People’s Party (OPP) President Dr. Brian Mushimba has claimed that the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) is in “panic mode” as Zambia heads towards the 2026 General Elections.
Speaking during an interview on KBN TV on Friday morning, Dr. Mushimba argued that President Hakainde Hichilema and senior UPND officials would not be intensifying their campaign activities across the country if they were confident of securing another term in office.
According to Dr. Mushimba, the President’s continued tours and engagements with voters suggest that the ruling party is concerned about its chances in next year’s elections.
“If the UPND is not in panic mode, the President and his team would not be spending sleepless nights moving from one province to another seeking support. The ground has shifted attention from the UPND to the opposition,” he said.
The OPP leader further criticised what he described as the UPND government’s performance over the past five years, claiming many Zambians are now looking for an alternative leadership ahead of the 2026 polls.
Dr. Mushimba said his party is positioning itself as an alternative voice for citizens seeking new approaches to addressing the country’s economic and governance challenges.
He also called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure that all political parties are given equal opportunities to campaign ahead of the elections.
“There must be a level playing field. If the UPND is campaigning freely, the same opportunity should be extended to opposition political parties,” Dr. Mushimba said.
His remarks come as political parties continue to intensify mobilisation efforts across the country ahead of the 2026 General Elections, with both the ruling party and opposition increasing public engagements in preparation for the polls.
