The leadership of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), has held a high-level engagement with several flagbearer aspirants as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal dialogue and promote unity ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
The meeting, which took place late last week, brought together a number of prominent APC figures, including former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Omodu Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban; former Minister Richard Konteh; lawyer and former minister Ady Macauley; Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr; and former Vice President Alhaji Samuel Sam-Sumana. The engagement is understood to be part of preparations toward the party’s national convention scheduled for later this year, with a focus on fostering cohesion among leading contenders.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the aspirants welcomed the initiative by the party leadership and expressed commitment to unity, mutual respect, and cooperation. They reportedly emphasized the importance of a collective and inclusive approach if the APC is to reclaim state power in the 2028 polls.
However, the absence of two notable party figures—former Minister of Social Welfare Sylvia Blyden and the APC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dr Samura Kamara—did not go unnoticed. Political observers suggest that the party leadership may be gradually distancing itself from the two as internal realignments continue within the APC.
The development has reportedly unsettled sections of Dr Samura Kamara’s support base, with indications that some supporters have threatened to withdraw their backing for the party unless the leadership places stronger emphasis on electoral justice, a central grievance following the disputed 2023 general elections.
Political analysts caution that lingering internal divisions could weaken the APC’s prospects in 2028, despite what they describe as growing public dissatisfaction with the performance of the ruling party. They argue that failure to effectively manage internal disagreements may erode the party’s ability to present a united and credible alternative to voters.
Adding to the complexity of the APC’s internal situation is the continued presence of the Interim Transition and Governance Committee (ITGC), led by Alfred Peter Conteh. The ITGC has maintained its challenge to the legitimacy of the current APC executive, citing a ruling by Justice Hannah Bonnie of the Sierra Leone judiciary.
As debates over leadership, legitimacy, and party unity persist, political commentators say the APC faces significant internal hurdles and a demanding road toward consolidating its base and positioning itself effectively for the next general elections.
