Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential candidate Xavier Franklin Chungu has withdrawn from the 13 August 2026 presidential race and endorsed National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) candidate Brian Mundubile, saying he is unable to campaign while remaining behind bars.
In a statement issued from prison, where he continues to be held in custody,the former Intelligence Chief says his decision comes after more than two months of detention, which he claims has prevented him from freely participating in the electoral process and engaging voters across the country.
He has argued that his continued incarceration, coupled with what he described as repeated court delays and the denial of bail, had made it impossible for him to offer Zambians the alternative leadership he had intended to provide.
Mr Chungu maintained that the election should be decided by the people through the ballot box and not, in his view, by circumstances that prevent candidates from freely campaigning.
While alleging that his constitutional rights had been violated, he says his withdrawal should not be seen as a surrender but as a decision made in the interest of democracy and national unity.
The former presidential candidate has since called on Liberal Democratic Party members, supporters and Zambians who share his vision to rally behind Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, expressing confidence that they offer the best opportunity to safeguard constitutionalism, uphold the rule of law and advance democratic governance ahead of the 13 August 2026 General Election.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
