M’membe Picks Dorica as Running Mate
As the alliance unveils campaign team ahead of general elections and urges mobilisation begins
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (22-4-2026) -- The opposition People’s Pact has picked Dorica Banda as running mate to presidential candidate , while also unveiling its presidential campaign leadership structure ahead of the upcoming general elections, in what the alliance says is a key step in strengthening its national mobilisation.
Dr M’membe described Ms Banda, the younger sister of former President , as a leader of integrity, experience, and strong national values. He said her selection followed a careful and deliberate process aimed at identifying a candidate capable of contributing meaningfully to national leadership.
Dr M’membe said Ms Banda brings more than three decades of professional experience spanning energy, finance, business, and public service, adding that her background positions her to contribute to economic governance and national development.
“She brings integrity, experience, and a deep understanding of governance and development,” he said.
He dismissed criticism surrounding her candidature, including claims questioning her ability to communicate in local languages and her understanding of the country. Dr M’membe said her record, upbringing, and family background demonstrate a deep connection to Zambia and its people.
He noted that Ms Banda comes from a family with a long history of service to the nation, particularly during the independence struggle and in post-independence governance.
Dr M’membe stressed that Zambia’s future depends on leadership grounded in integrity, honesty, and competence. He said the country’s natural resources can only benefit citizens if managed responsibly and with accountability.
He further observed that Zambia’s challenges are increasingly complex and influenced by global dynamics, requiring leadership that is informed and capable of responding to both local and international issues.
Dr M’membe called for collaboration across various sectors, including religious, traditional, business, and intellectual leadership, stating that national development cannot be achieved by politicians alone.
He also announced the launch of a nationwide campaign to promote the People’s Pact agenda, expressing confidence that sustained engagement with citizens would help address the country’s economic and social challenges.
Dr M’membe urged Zambians to remain hopeful, saying a better future is achievable through collective effort and principled leadership.
Speaking at a briefing, Musomali said the movement had honoured its earlier commitment to disclose members of its campaign leadership structure, including those tasked with managing the presidential race.
“We said we would inform the public on who is leading our presidential campaign and who is managing it. Today, we are delivering on that promise,” Musomali said.
He said the campaign will be managed by newly appointed coordinators supported by senior leaders, including former Minister of Commerce and Apostle , who will serve as presidential campaign managers in the run up to the August 13 presidential and general elections.
He described the team as a blend of experience and energy intended to strengthen mobilisation efforts nationwide.
Musomali, however, raised concern over difficulties in securing venues for the announcement, claiming that several facilities declined to host the event despite offers of payment, a situation he said reflected growing political sensitivity.
“Even when we were ready to pay, we were turned away. It shows a level of fear in some sections of society,” he said.
Despite the setback, he said the event proceeded and campaign activities were already underway across the country.
He further revealed that the presidential campaign will be led by newly appointed campaign managers, supported by deputy leadership, including Apostle Soondo, who will serve in a senior coordinating role within the campaign structure.
Musomali described the appointed team as a combination of experience and strategic leadership, saying the pairing was intended to strengthen the party’s electoral competitiveness.
“The presidential campaign has been entrusted to capable hands. This is leadership that combines ideas, experience, and energy needed for Zambia,” he said.
He reiterated concerns over difficulties in securing venues, stating that three different facilities declined to host the gathering despite assurances that the party was willing to pay.
“We approached venues prepared to pay, not for favours. But we were turned away. This reflects a growing fear in sections of society about association with opposition politics,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Musomali said the event went ahead at an alternative location, describing it as a sign of resilience and determination.
“The campaign has started. Anyone saying otherwise is not being truthful. We are not wasting time,” he added.
The announcement sets the stage for intensified political activity as the People’s Pact positions itself for the upcoming electoral contest, with leadership pledging a more structured and coordinated campaign strategy going forward.
Dorica Banda called for stronger citizen participation in governance and urged Zambians to take greater responsibility in shaping national outcomes, saying the country is at a critical turning point.
“If what we have witnessed in recent years is considered acceptable, then we have settled for less than we deserve,” she said.
She argued that national development requires active participation rather than passive expectation, stressing that citizens must move beyond complaints and take ownership of the country’s direction.
“A nation does not drift into success. It is built by people who demand better and take responsibility for change,” she said.
Banda said her decision to join the People’s Pact was based on principle rather than convenience, adding that she chose to be part of a solution-driven political platform.
“My decision is based on an alliance of values and purpose, not convenience. I chose to be part of a solution instead of stepping away,” she said.
On economic management, she called for discipline in public borrowing, saying debt must be transparent, justified, and linked to tangible benefits for citizens.
“Borrowing must be purposeful. Government must be able to explain why it is borrowing, how it will repay the debt, and how that borrowing will improve the lives of ordinary people,” she said.
She also criticised inefficiencies in public spending and called for stronger support for small businesses, traders, and farmers.
She further urged diversification of the economy beyond copper, pointing to opportunities in other minerals such as lithium and emerging sectors.
“Our economy must be diversified if it is to be resilient,” she said.
Banda also emphasised that leadership is a public trust, not ownership of national resources.
“The country does not belong to those in leadership. Leaders are custodians entrusted to protect and manage resources on behalf of the people,” she said.
She further called for greater inclusion of women in leadership.
“Women are not a problem to be managed. We are part of the solution,” she said.
Dorica Banda said the current moment represents a decisive point in the country’s trajectory, warning that continued inaction by citizens risks normalising underperformance in governance and economic management.
“If what we have witnessed in recent years is considered the highest level of governance, then we must admit that we have agreed to settle for less than we deserve,” she said.
“We have allowed this by stepping back, by losing hope, and by failing to participate actively in shaping our country.”
She stressed that meaningful progress depends on citizens who are willing to confront challenges and reject mediocrity.
“A nation does not drift into success,” she said. “It is built by people who are determined to demand better and to take responsibility for change.”
She urged citizens to move beyond criticism and take ownership of national development.
“We must ask ourselves whether we are ready to go beyond complaints and take responsibility for our country. Zambia belongs to all of us, and its future depends on our willingness to act,” she said.
She added that fear, fatigue, and disillusionment have contributed to reduced participation, but insisted that change remains possible if citizens choose to engage.
Banda said her decision to join the People’s Pact was guided by principles rather than political convenience, describing the alliance as a platform committed to professional, ethical, and results-driven leadership.
“My decision is based on an alliance of values and purpose, not convenience,” she said. “I chose to be part of a solution instead of stepping away.”
She highlighted her professional background in finance and banking, noting that she has worked in Zambia and internationally, including across sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
Banda said her experience in both public and private sector environments positions her to contribute to strengthening economic governance.
On economic policy, she called for greater discipline in public finance management, particularly in relation to borrowing and expenditure.
“Borrowing must be purposeful,” she said. “Government must be able to explain why it is borrowing, how it will repay the debt, and how that borrowing will improve the lives of ordinary people.”
She criticised inefficiencies in infrastructure investments, pointing to challenges in road systems and public services as examples of poor returns on public spending.
She also called for increased focus on supporting small-scale entrepreneurs, traders, and farmers.
Banda urged the country to broaden its economic focus beyond traditional sectors such as copper, highlighting the need to fully utilise other natural resources and emerging industries.
“Our national conversations must go beyond a single resource,” she said. “We have the capacity to build a more resilient and inclusive economy if we manage our resources effectively.”
She described good governance as the foundation of national development, stating that strong institutions and accountability systems are essential.
“The country does not belong to those in leadership,” she said. “Leaders are custodians entrusted to protect and manage resources on behalf of the people.”
Banda also addressed the role of women in national development, calling for increased participation in leadership and decision-making processes.
“Women are not a problem to be managed. We are part of the solution,” she said.
People’s Pact Vice President for Lusaka called for an end to political violence, urging Zambians to honour those who have lost their lives in the country’s political struggles by promoting peace.
“The only meaningful way to honour those who died is by rejecting political violence and committing ourselves to peaceful political engagement,” she said.
She said her decision to wear red symbolised solidarity with men and women who shed blood during Zambia’s fight for independence and in subsequent political contests.
Katenekwa noted that the country has continued to experience politically related violence, including during the 2021 general election.
She pledged to serve diligently and called on members of the People’s Pact and its allies to focus on mobilising support in a peaceful manner.
“The door is open to all Zambians who love their country and want to see meaningful change,” she said.
She criticised divisions within sections of the opposition, attributing the situation to self-interest among some political players.
“The confusion we are seeing in some opposition groupings is not about ideology but about personal interests,” she said.
She questioned disparities in development between urban and remote areas.
“Ballot papers reach every corner of Zambia, yet development does not. This is a question we must all reflect on,” she said.
endorsed Dr M’membe, urging Zambians to support what he described as a credible and tested opposition alliance.
“Zambians are crying for change, but we must avoid experimenting with leadership that lacks proven results,” he said.
He said the alliance was formed after extensive consultation and represents a serious alternative to the current administration.
People’s Pact Vice President for Administration pledged full support for the movement, saying he is committed to contributing toward efforts to transform the country’s socio-economic conditions.
“We are prepared, and we are contributing towards building the bridges,” Ngoma said.
“There is something wrong when a country as rich as ours is still among the poorest in the world,” he added.
He said the People’s Pact is focused on improving livelihoods and addressing poverty.
“I dedicate myself to the people. The People’s Pact is about taking us away from poverty into something better,” he said.
Meanwhile, described the campaign as a decisive political contest, saying his return from retirement was motivated by concern over the country’s direction.
“We have come a long way since 1990, but we must ask ourselves where we are today as a people,” he said.
“We are asking: where is the money, where are we going to eat, how are we going to survive?” he added.
Sichinga said the movement would intensify mobilisation efforts across the country and strengthen its structures ahead of the elections.
He urged supporters to commit fully to the campaign, saying the party was entering an active phase and would “put everything” into the political contest ahead.
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