FORMER president Edgar Lungu has said it’s time to launch ‘Plan B’ after accepting the Constitutional Court’s verdict to rule him ineligible to contest future presidential elections.
In a lengthy statement, Mr Lungu has described today’s verdict as predetermined but it has done little to change his resolve.
“The verdict rendered today was expected. For months, the hands of political manipulation have, with undeniable force, steered us 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 stated.
Mr Lungu ‘welcomed’ the ruling.
“And so, you have heard for yourselves, the verdict has been issued, declaring that my eligibility to stand in the 2026 elections is nullified by the weight of the court’s decision. I accept this verdict. I accept it not with resignation but with resolve. This is because this verdict transcends the fate of Edgar Chagwa Lungu. It speaks to the erosion of judicial independence, the weakening of our democratic foundations, and the weaponisation of our institutions for short-term gain,” he said.
He said, his team has since launched plan B.
“My fellow countrymen and women, know this: from this blatant manipulation and disenfranchisement, a new resolve is born. Democracy, my fellow citizens, is not merely a system of governance but the lifeblood of our national identity. And therefore today, I declare that Plan B has been set in motion and Plan B shall legally fight to defeat and win for Zambians. Trust me, I in the spirit of democracy and Zambians shall win in and with Plan B!
“This is not a retreat. It is not surrender. It is a recalibration of our efforts towards the sacred task of strengthening our democratic path. Plan B is rooted in the principle that democracy must prevail as a reality for every citizen of this land. Plan B is based on the enduring ideal that power must always reside with the people. Plan B will prove that no machination can extinguish the power of the Zambian people and that institutions must serve the public, not the ambitions of a few.
“Let me assure you, I am filled not with bitterness but with renewed determination, political hope and faith that democracy, not court politics shall certainly win in 2026 without any doubt. We must show the world that Zambia’s democracy cannot be extinguished by a manipulated verdict. Zambians shall win and celebrate very soon, not few ruling elites through their proxies.
“Today, Plan B goes into motion and democracy will prevail as well as win! Thank you, and may God bless our beloved Zambia,” he said.
(Mwebantu, Tuesday, 10th December, 2024)
I accept verdict, My plan B now goes into motion.Wait and see what will happen- Edgar Lungu
