The APC must study what went wrong in 2023 — from campaign logistics to voter outreach, from grassroots mobilization to its inability to dominate the narrative. Failure to learn from the past is a guarantee of future failure.
Waiting until 2027 to begin organizing for 2028 is a suicidal strategy. The SLPP, despite its governance failures, is already consolidating power and grooming future leadership. The APC cannot afford to stay idle or divided. The time to act is now — to reconnect with the people, reform its structures, energize the base, and speak with one clear voice.
The 2023 elections exposed a deep disconnect between the party hierarchy and its base. Many grassroots supporters felt abandoned, unheard, and taken for granted. If the APC wants to reclaim lost trust, it must return to the communities — not just for rallies and votes, but to build relationships, listen to concerns, and offer real solutions to everyday problems. Politics is no longer about old loyalties; it is about relevance and results.
Perhaps the greatest threat to the APC’s chances in 2028 is the party’s internal disunity. The infighting, mistrust, and factionalism that plagued the party before and after 2023 must end. No opposition party can defeat a sitting government while fighting itself. A divided house cannot stand — and certainly cannot win an election.
The APC must therefore forge genuine reconciliation among its ranks. This includes respecting divergent views, empowering young leaders, accommodating former aspirants, and embracing a spirit of inclusivity that reflects the national character of the party. Let the old and young, the experienced and the emerging, the north and the south, all find a seat at the APC table. Unity should not just be a slogan; it must be a lived reality.
One of the most critical decisions ahead of 2028 will be choosing the right flagbearer — not based on popularity in a particular region, but based on national appeal, credibility, vision, and political strategy. The APC must avoid being sentimental or recycling candidates without reflection. The political terrain has changed, and so must the party’s approach.
The flagbearer must be someone who can inspire trust across the country, navigate complex political waters, and articulate a compelling alternative to the failed SLPP administration. Whether it is going to be a continuation of a Dr. Samura Kamara flagship or it is going to new kid on the block, the election processes need to come out with a consensus candidate, not just one for the sake of it, rather, it should a candidate that can reconcile the party in the aftermath and galvanize the supports of his fellow contenders.
The APC must sharpen its messaging. The days of tribal loyalty and blind party followership are fading. Voters want to know what you stand for, how you’ll fix the economy, address youth unemployment, fight corruption, and restore national dignity. The APC must develop a modern, people-centred agenda that speaks to the hopes and aspirations of the common man.
Empty slogans won’t win elections. A clear, practical, and inspiring message will. The APC should invest in policy research, media strategy, youth outreach, and digital campaigning. The battle for 2028 will not be won on posters and megaphones alone — it will be won through effective communication and credible alternatives.
While preparing for 2028, the APC must also be seen as a responsible and effective opposition party. Criticizing the government is not enough. The people want to see what you would do differently — and how. Shadow policies, community projects, and advocacy on national issues will show that the APC is not just waiting to take power but is already working for the people.
The more the APC positions itself as a government-in-waiting, the more trust it will earn. But if it disappears from national discourse, remains reactionary, or focuses solely on blaming the Electoral Commission or the judiciary, it will lose relevance.
Sierra Leoneans are becoming more politically conscious. They are watching how parties behave in and out of power. They remember who showed up during hard times, who spoke up for them, and who remained silent. If the APC wants their vote in 2028, it must earn it — not assume it.
The APC’s choice is clear: rise to the challenge of 2028 or relive the failure of 2023. The party cannot afford another wasted opportunity. Sierra Leone is yearning for leadership, integrity, and vision. If the APC wants to lead again, it must prove it deserves to.
No more complacency. No more infighting. No more shortcuts. Let the APC rebuild with urgency, with discipline, and with one goal: to deliver a better future for Sierra Leone. Anything less, and history will repeat itself — painfully.