Lusaka, Zambia – Former President Edgar Lungu has expressed acceptance of the Constitutional Court’s ruling, which declared his eligibility to run in the 2026 elections null and void.
In a Facebook post , Mr. Lungu stated that the decision was expected, noting that for months, political manipulation had been steering the case towards this conclusion.
“The hands of political manipulation have, with undeniable force, steered my case toward a conclusion foreseen not by the merits of reasoned argument or constitutional fidelity, but by the weight of orchestrated design and political machinations,” Mr. Lungu wrote, reflecting on the lengthy legal battle.
Despite the court’s ruling, which effectively disqualified him from contesting the upcoming election, Mr. Lungu emphasized that he has accepted the verdict, acknowledging the weight of the court’s decision.
In his post, the former president confirmed that a “Plan B” had been set in motion. “Plan B shall legally fight to defeat and win for Zambians,” he declared, signaling that he remains committed to his political endeavors and will continue to push for his political goals through other legal means.
Mr. Lungu assured his supporters that he is not filled with bitterness, but instead, he is filled with “renewed determination, political hope, and faith” in Zambia’s democracy. He expressed his belief that, despite the setback, democracy—rather than court politics—would ultimately prevail in the 2026 elections.
The Constitutional Court ruling has sparked significant discussion across the political landscape, with some viewing the decision as a victory for the rule of law, while others see it as part of a broader political struggle. Mr. Lungu’s next steps remain to be seen, but his statement signals that he intends to remain active in Zambian politics, with a focus on the upcoming election cycle.
