By Sayoh Kamara
In a time when Sierra Leone’s democracy faces unprecedented strain, the All People’s Congress (APC) party is rallying its forces for what promises to be a defining political battle.
In a striking declaration at the recent retreat of the All People’s Congress (APC) Elections Management Committee in Makeni, the party’s National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya Esq., delivered a powerful message to flagbearer contenders and stakeholders: the APC is not a party for the faint-hearted.
Addressing participants at the closed-door session, Lawyer Dumbuya emphasized that the stakes heading into the 2028 general elections are too high for indecision, internal sabotage, or weak leadership. He reaffirmed that only candidates with unwavering courage, commitment, and constitutional clarity will be eligible to vie for the party’s coveted flagbearer position.
“This time around, we will not settle for cowards,” Dumbuya stated firmly. “The APC must rally behind a leader who is not only bold and visionary but ready to take the fight to the SLPP and its allies, including those within state institutions who seek to manipulate the democratic process.”
Strengthening the Party from Within:
The retreat, which brought together senior party officials, constituency leaders, aspiring flagbearers, and key operatives, focused on explaining the rules, processes, and constitutional criteria for participation in the party’s internal elections. Dumbuya used the platform to sound a warning: no aspirant would be allowed to flout the party’s constitution or dodge the verification of their membership credentials.
“If you cannot demonstrate loyalty to the party by regularizing your status, you have no business aspiring to lead it,” he cautioned.
In his address, the Secretary General painted a picture of a party preparing not just to contest elections but to defend democracy in Sierra Leone. He referenced growing concerns around state capture, electoral malpractice, and legislative overreach under the current SLPP-led government of President Julius Maada Bio.
Unity is Non-Negotiable:
Dumbuya did not shy away from confronting the lingering divisions within the APC. He called on all members to redirect their energies away from factionalism and towards the real political threat posed by the ruling party and its enablers.
“This is not the time to fight each other,” he urged. “Our strength must be focused outward – on challenging the SLPP, the ECSL, and all who would conspire to rob the people of their will in 2028.”
He reminded participants that electoral success will depend on party unity, institutional discipline, and strategic resilience.
Firm Stance against Manipulation and Intimidation:
Drawing from recent history, Dumbuya reiterated that the APC would resist all forms of electoral malpractice, intimidation, and rigging. He warned that any attempts to subvert the will of the people would be met with robust resistance.
He also urged Members of Parliament to reject bad laws and safeguard national integrity, while advising constituency executives to be meticulous and patriotic when recommending candidates for parliamentary symbols.
A Call to Action:
On national issues, Dumbuya encouraged the party’s leadership and eventual flagbearer to remain vocal on key matters affecting the country, such as the planned Population and Housing Census and other controversial policies being pushed by the Bio administration.
“Leadership is not about silence or survival; it is about speaking truth to power and defending the aspirations of the people,” he concluded.
As the APC marches toward its internal elections and the critical 2028 national polls, the message from Makeni is clear: the party is battle-ready, focused, and determined to reclaim its place as a formidable force in Sierra Leonean politics.