In the early years of the All Peoples Congress as a political party onto when it took power in 1967, the party was notable for its ninety-nine political tactics and strategies to win; maintain and consolidate power. It was one or a combination of these elements of these ninety-nine tactics that ultimately saw the country transformed into a one-party government by President Siaka P. Stevens and also the absorption and assimilation of southeasterners into the ‘Ekutay’ traditional and customary organization of the Limbas when Joseph Saidu Momoh was President of Sierra Leone, thereby transforming his hometown of Binkolo in the Bombali District the adopted home of almost all known very senior politicians in the country. It is those tactics that the party’s new and younger members want to see being implemented to bring back the APC to its known glory. But is that by any means possible?
The 2023 elections in Sierra Leone left a political landscape riddled with tension, disillusionment, and controversy. Accusations of electoral malpractice, voter suppression, and allegations of state institutions compromising their neutrality painted a grim picture of the democratic process in the country. By 2024, many believed that the fight for electoral justice—the hope for free, fair, and transparent elections—had effectively ended or died. The aftermath has left Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), grappling with critical questions about its future direction.
The APC’s internal struggles and strategic missteps have brought into sharp focus the party’s readiness to challenge President Julius Maada Bio and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government in 2028. The reality is stark: unless the APC puts its house in order and crafts a cohesive, visionary strategy, it risks repeating history and facing political exile similar to the SLPP’s fate under the APC administration of President Siaka Stevens, who relegated the SLPP to obscurity for over two decades.
The Death of Electoral Justice in 2024
The collapse of Sierra Leone’s electoral justice fight in 2024 signified a major blow to democracy in the nation. The opposition, civil society, and international observers highlighted glaring irregularities in the 2023 general elections. These included delayed release of results, allegations of manipulation by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), and concerns over the transparency of tallying processes.
Despite widespread protests and legal challenges mounted by the APC and other opposition groups, the Bio-led government remained resolute in asserting the legitimacy of the elections. Court rulings often appeared to favor the incumbent government, raising questions about the judiciary’s impartiality. By 2024, the energy behind the electoral justice fight had waned, leaving the APC and its supporters frustrated and disheartened.
This loss of momentum reflected broader systemic issues: the erosion of trust in democratic institutions and the growing sense of helplessness among ordinary Sierra Leoneans who felt their voices had been ignored. It underscored the urgent need for political players, especially the APC, to rethink their strategies and recalibrate their approach if they are to regain the trust of the electorate and effectively challenge the SLPP.
Infighting in the APC: A Self-Destructive Path
One of the greatest obstacles to the APC’s success in 2028 is its internal divisions. Instead of consolidating its efforts and focusing on the common goal of unseating the SLPP, the party has been plagued by infighting. Factionalism, leadership disputes, and personal rivalries have created a fractured and weakened opposition.
This lack of unity is a gift to the SLPP, which has capitalized on the APC’s disorganization to solidify its hold on power. The APC’s failure to present a united front has not only alienated voters but has also undermined its ability to act as an effective check on the government.
Infighting also distracts from the critical work of building a robust political strategy. Instead of debating policies and solutions to address Sierra Leone’s pressing issues—such as unemployment, corruption, and poor infrastructure—APC members are embroiled in battles over leadership positions and internal power dynamics.
If this pattern continues, the APC risks following in the footsteps of the SLPP under President Siaka Stevens, who systematically dismantled the opposition and consigned the SLPP to irrelevance for over two decades. The warning is clear: history could repeat itself, and the APC could find itself in political exile if it does not change course.
The Need for a Strategic Vision
To avoid this fate, the APC must develop a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond reacting to the SLPP’s actions. The party needs to articulate a clear vision for Sierra Leone’s future—one that resonates with the hopes and aspirations of ordinary citizens. This requires addressing the following key areas:
Rebuilding Internal Unity
The APC must prioritize healing internal divisions. This means fostering a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability within the party. Leadership disputes must be resolved through democratic processes, and factionalism must be replaced with a shared commitment to the party’s overarching goals.
Engaging the Grassroots
The APC must reconnect with its grassroots base and rebuild trust among voters. This involves active engagement with communities, listening to their concerns, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to addressing their needs. Grassroots mobilization will be critical in countering the SLPP’s dominance and galvanizing support for the APC.
Developing Policy Solutions
The APC must shift its focus from criticizing the SLPP to presenting concrete policy solutions. The party needs to demonstrate how it plans to address the challenges facing Sierra Leone, from improving healthcare and education to tackling corruption and fostering economic growth. A clear and actionable policy platform will help distinguish the APC as a credible alternative to the SLPP.
Building Alliances
The APC cannot win the 2028 elections alone. The party must build alliances with other opposition groups, civil society organizations, and influential stakeholders. A broad coalition of forces will strengthen the opposition’s ability to challenge the SLPP and advocate for democratic reforms.
Leveraging Technology and Media
In the digital age, the APC must embrace technology and social media to communicate its message and engage with voters, especially the youth. Innovative campaigns and effective use of digital platforms can help the APC expand its reach and counter SLPP propaganda.
Lessons from History: Avoiding Political Exile
The APC’s experience under President Siaka Stevens offers a cautionary tale. By undermining the SLPP and monopolizing political power, the Stevens administration created a one-party state that suppressed dissent and stifled democratic competition. The SLPP was effectively exiled from Sierra Leone’s political landscape for over 20 years, struggling to regain relevance and rebuild its base.
Today, the APC faces a similar risk. If it continues on its current trajectory of infighting and disorganization, it may find itself marginalized and unable to mount an effective challenge to the SLPP. The stakes are high, and the party must learn from history to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
A Call for Leadership and Accountability
The APC’s path to victory in 2028 will require strong leadership and a commitment to accountability. Party leaders must rise above personal ambitions and prioritize the collective good. They must inspire confidence among party members and the electorate by demonstrating integrity, vision, and competence.
At the same time, the APC must hold the SLPP government accountable for its actions. This means exposing corruption, advocating for electoral reforms, and demanding transparency in governance. A strong and principled opposition is essential for the health of Sierra Leone’s democracy.
The Road to 2028: A Defining Moment for the APC
The 2028 elections represent a defining moment for the APC and for Sierra Leone as a whole. The stakes are high, and the challenges are immense. Yet, with the right strategies and a united front, the APC has the potential to unseat Bio and the SLPP government and chart a new course for the nation.
Sierra Leoneans deserve a government that prioritizes their needs, upholds democratic principles, and works tirelessly to build a better future. The APC must seize this opportunity to prove itself as the party that can deliver on these promises.
Failure to do so could consign the APC to political exile, repeating the cycle of history and leaving Sierra Leoneans with limited choices for change. The time to act is now. For the APC, 2028 is not just another election—it is a fight for relevance, survival, and the future of Sierra Leone.