It’s time for serious leadership, Dolika Banda announces her presidential bid

..To Unveil Her Team, Keeps Country Guessing

Dolika Banda

Dolika Banda has announced her 2026 presidential bid saying its now time for serious leadership.

And Ms Banda has kept the country guessing under which party she will run but says will unveil her team in the next few weeks.

Some people are wondering as to whether she has registered a political party or she is a plan B, late former President Edgar Lungu talked about.

Ms Banda a nice to late former President Rupiah Banda said this in a statement below made available to Zambian Eye::

PRESS STATEMENT
DATE: 18 AUGUST 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF MS. DOLIKA BANDA

Today, I announce that I am seeking to run for the Office of the President of the Republic of
Zambia in the 2026 election.
It is my conviction that it is time for serious leadership, selfless leadership, and sober leadership.
I pledge to bring to the table, a lifetime of service, global financial experience, and a heart that
beats for this country.

I have not taken this decision lightly: we are living in a political culture where power often resists
correction, where intimidation can precede truth. Our democracy is strained. The promises of
prosperity have given way to daily struggle in Zambian homes. The rule of law has been
selectively applied, state institutions weakened, and public trust eroded.

Yet there is hope. Something wonderful, vibrant and intentional is unfolding to restore the
foundations of this great and beautiful nation. Over the next few weeks, I will unveil a team of
honest and competent Zambians, young and old, who are joining me in this cause. But it must
unfold with order, with honour, and in the spirit of national service and candid reverence for
God who has planted the mandate in my heart to take Zambia forward. Let authenticity rule.
I am no stranger to the challenges of rebuilding, reforming, and restoring. My leadership has
always been marked not by noise, but by quiet competence, compassion, and a determined
resolve to uplift those left behind by the opportunity train. I have negotiated international
investments with the same passion with which I have fought for the ordinary market woman. My
record is built across borders and in-country, deeply and visibly grounded in service to the
people.

Zambia shall reclaim her national pride, dignity, opportunity, and fairness. A nation where mining
revenues fuel schools and hospitals, where climate finance reaches farmers, where young
entrepreneurs are invested in. And where public office is not the pinnacle of ambition but the
beginning of service.

We will turn away from strongmen, saviours and favour, and toward institutions, ideas and
ideology, and intergenerational justice. Together we will renew our democracy, heal divisions, and
chart a path where hope is earned by hard work, shared sacrifice, and a steadfast belief that a
better future is deserved by all and that, that future begins today. Zambia, are you ready?

Ms. Dolika Banda