Opposition Unity

RDC’s Chansa Declares Support for Kalaba’s 2026 Presidential Bid

Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – Revamp for Development Change (RDC) President and United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) Chairperson, Mr. Robert Chansa, has endorsed the Citizens First candidate for the Lumezi parliamentary by-election and declared Harry Kalaba as preferred presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections.

Addressing journalists at a media briefing, Chansa stated that the RDC’s decision to endorse Kalaba followed wide consultations with its national executive and grassroots structures across the country.

He said the consensus among members reflected the will of many Zambians who are demanding unity among opposition political parties and a credible alternative to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).

“The leadership of the Revamp for Development Change Party sat down and made extensive consultations with members nationwide. What has emerged from these discussions is a collective call to rally behind President Harry Kalaba as our alliance’s preferred presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections,” Chansa said.

Chansa emphasized that Kalaba’s proven leadership record as a former Foreign Affairs Minister and Member of Parliament gave him an edge over other contenders. He described Kalaba as a principled politician whose focus on issue-based campaigns and national unity sets him apart.

“We believe President Kalaba embodies the values that Zambia urgently needs in this critical phase. He has demonstrated maturity, respect for others, and civility in the political space.

He is not in politics to insult or divide, but to build and serve,” Chansa explained.

The RDC leader said his party had long identified with the economic recovery plans of Citizens First, particularly around agriculture and mineral beneficiation. He praised Kalaba’s focus on industrialization and local value addition as key to reducing poverty and creating sustainable jobs for Zambians.

“We share common ground with Citizens First, especially in our economic agenda. We believe in revitalizing the agricultural sector and transforming the mining industry to add value locally. These are the pillars of a prosperous Zambia,” Chansa said.

He added that the endorsement was not about political convenience but about responding to the cry of the people, especially youths and women who are disproportionately affected by the high cost of living.

“The people of Zambia are suffering. The cost of living is unbearable, and youths who once dreamed of running successful small businesses are now closing shop. That’s why we have made the firm decision to work with Citizens First and provide a real solution to the country’s economic crisis,” he said.

Chansa further called on the UPND government to spend the remainder of its term addressing the depreciating kwacha, the soaring cost of goods, and the challenges faced by small traders and cross-border business operators.

“I urge the government to stop playing the blame game. You have borrowed enough in the name of economic recovery. Now is the time to deliver results. The Zambian people want jobs, stable prices, and a future they can believe in,” Chansa urged.

Addressing the youth specifically, Chansa warned against being manipulated by leaders who do not have their interests at heart.

“Let us not repeat the mistake of 2021 by trusting those who were only after power. In 2026, we must vote wisely and choose someone who understands the challenges of the people. We need a leader who is tried and tested, not one who is learning on the job,” he said.

And speaking at the same briefing, Citizens First Secretary General Vincent Chintu welcomed the RDC’s endorsement, describing it as a major boost to the growing momentum behind Kalaba’s campaign.

“We appreciate this endorsement from our alliance partner, the RDC. It is a product of serious introspection and collective decision-making. This is not about individuals, but about providing quality leadership for Zambia,” Chintu said.

He emphasized that Kalaba had consistently demonstrated his capacity to lead by focusing on issue-based politics, advocating for transparency, and proposing sustainable economic reforms.

“We need a leader who understands how to navigate international diplomacy, unlock economic partnerships, and protect national interests. Kalaba is that leader,” he said.

Chintu said it was disappointing that despite the country’s rich natural resources and strategic position in Africa, Zambia continued to face economic setbacks due to poor leadership and misplaced priorities.

“It is a shame that a country as rich in minerals and fertile land as Zambia is still struggling with food insecurity and unemployment. Our alliance is committed to changing that narrative. Together with RDC, we aim to empower citizens through meaningful economic participation,” he added.

He concluded by stating that the Citizens First and RDC partnership represented a new dawn for Zambia and called on other opposition parties to put aside ego and unite for the good of the nation.