By Cornelius Oguntola Melvin Deveaux
It is fifteen months since the June 24, 2023, Presidential Election and it is time for my party, the All Peoples Congress (APC), to shake off the dust and move on; but not in the limited sense of membership verification and registration.
The past fifteen months have been full of moments that have been challenging to us; leaving us feeling stuck and weighed down by inconsistencies, internal bickering and divisions that have only torn us further apart. I am concerned that the 2028 Presidential Election will once again slip through our fingers if we fail to address our challenges head-on with sincerity and genuine commitment.
With the high level of corruption rocking the National Revenue Authority (NRA), the IMF’s alarm that the nation’s international reserves have fallen to less than 60 days of imports, the surge in public debts by 23.2% in 2023, and the rising cost of living, we cannot as a party choose to sit by the roadside lamenting our misfortunes over the 2023 Presidential Elections and allow the things that further divide us to continue holding sway, thus dampening our credibility as a government in-waiting.
It is time we stand up, brush off the dust and prepare the party with renewed determination to face the 2028 elections.
In shaking off the dust, we must acknowledge the past, learn from our experiences, and use that wisdom to forge a new path to present the nation with an alternative transformational leadership.
In doing so, first and foremost, I hold the view that Dr. Samura Kamara should come out clearly to let our supporters know that the 2023 presidential election is done and dusted and that the ECOWAS troops will not be coming to Sierra Leone to unseat President Julius Maada Bio and install him as President. I also believe that the current executive should desist from vilifying Dr. Samura Kamara for the misfortunes of the June 24, 2023, presidential election.
In line with the concept of collective responsibility, the current executive and all of the rank and file should bear responsibility for the misfortunes of the 2023 presidential election. I say so because our actions and inactions are why the party finds itself in its present conundrum.
Again, the need for reconciliation and unity cannot be over-emphasized. I must honestly state that the current executive is failing the party in this drive. There is no denying that we have all hurt ourselves in one way or the other through our actions and inactions. We must bury the hatchet, take a deep breath, stand tall, and shake off the dust. The road ahead may be winding but filled with endless opportunities for reconciliation, unity, and success in the 2028 elections.
Reconciliation and unity will enable us to move forward confidently, knowing that victory in 2028 is nigh. There is also a need to resolve the Alfred Peter Conteh and Gbondo Peni-Peni court cases outside of court.
Additionally, the Sam-Sumana issue requires prompt resolution and similarly so with the situation with Hon. Mohamed Bangura and the threats of splinter groups forming a new party is significant. These are matters we should address if we are to win the 2028 presidential election.
I am saying this because one of the proposed amendments to the 1991 Constitution is for a presidential candidate to get 50+1 percent of the valid votes cast to be declared a winner. We should, therefore, be wary about any splinter group within our strongholds.
Equally important is the need to be blunt and frank to would-be aspirants for the presidential ticket. Although every member who meets the criteria has the right to run for the presidential ticket, not all aspirants possess the qualities necessary for presidential leadership. Additionally, some do not align with the current demands and challenges of this present moment.
It is equally necessary for would-be aspirants for the presidential ticket to begin to hold the government accountable and present their agenda to the people to reposition the party as a government in waiting and provide a blueprint to the people and on which thrust they would be elected National Leader and Presidential Candidate in the upcoming party convention.
Would-be presidential candidates should also publicly denounce the menace of ‘mammy-cussing’ that has not only terrorized our membership but also paints a despicable picture of the party in the estimation of right-thinking Sierra Leoneans.
Social Media ‘bloggers’ should be reined in for decorum to prevail.
There is also the need for a level playing field and the practice of internal democracy. It is my view that a political party that does not practice internal democracy cannot guarantee the practice of democracy at the national level.
Therefore, beginning with the lower-level elections for constituency, district, and regional executives, some well-placed members should restrain themselves from manipulating the process and sowing the seeds of discord for personal gains. Well-placed members are ethically bound to trade ideological differences and not to factionalize the party on individual interests.
Our Members of Parliament also have a role to play. They should hold the government accountable. They should work to present alternatives to the policies and actions of the government. By so doing, they inspire confidence in the people and reposition the party as a government in waiting.
Local Councilors similarly play a crucial role in building trust and confidence among our members and the electorate. Both members of parliament and local councilors can inspire confidence on behalf of the party. They should regularly attend community events, hold town hall meetings, and be accessible to constituents. They should be approachable and genuinely interested in the concerns of members and constituents.
Our members of parliament and local councilors should provide honest updates about government issues, projects, and decisions. Transparency helps build trust and shows that they are accountable.
Regularly communicating successes and positive outcomes achieved by the members of parliament and councilors can help build a positive image of the party and reinforce confidence in their leadership. On this note, I must commend our members of parliament for the monthly press briefings. Our local councilors should emulate this fine example.
The party executives at all levels and other organs of the party should demonstrate reliability and effectiveness in mobilizing our members to reinforce confidence. They must listen to members and address their concerns. They should ensure that our members feel represented and included in decision-making processes. They should create platforms for diverse voices to address the needs of marginalized groups.
Having said this, I would be remiss in my duties as a member if I failed to state here that the buck stops at the desk of the National Chairman and the current executive. The National Chairman and the executive are duty-bound to promote reconciliation and unity and to make the party relevant ahead of the 2028 elections. The Chairman and his Executive should espouse inclusive dialogue within the party to help address grievances, build consensus, and foster a sense of belonging. They also should actively engage with members, sympathizers and well-wishers through town hall meetings, forums, and social media. They should establish mechanisms to resolve internal conflicts and disputes in amicable manners. They should openly denounce hate speech and tribal toxicity. They should ensure that the party is All Peoples Congress and not ‘Some People’s Congress.’ The National Chairman and his executive should uphold high ethical standards and integrity in all party activities. But to state it frankly, the National Chairman and his executive cannot do this alone. They require the support and collaboration of all. Nonetheless, they should promote inclusivity and openness so that other members can participate without fear or intimidation.
In conclusion, it is time for the APC to shake off the dust and move forward. Imagine a set of travelers on a long journey. They encounter obstacles along the way. They stumble and gather dust on their clothes. They could choose to sit by the roadside, lamenting their misfortunes. Or, they could stand up, brush off the dust, and continue their journey with renewed determination.
We must shake off the dust and continue our journey as a united family. Shaking off the dust means acknowledging the past and using the experience to define our future. It is a reminder that every setback is a setup for a comeback, and every ending is a new beginning.
Fifteen months after the June 24, 2023, elections, it is time to shake off the dust and move on; but not in the limited sense of membership verification and registration.