By Sylvester Samai
At the center of a major debate among executive and grassroots members of the All People’s Congress party is Dr. Samura Kamara, the APC’s flagbearer in both the 2018 and 2023 elections. While he is a respected statesman with vast experience in public service, many within the party and the broader Sierra Leonean public are beginning to question whether his leadership is what the APC needs to mount a serious challenge against the SLPP in 2028. Kamara’s back-to-back losses raise critical questions about the party’s future direction and the need for new leadership that reflects the aspirations of a changing Sierra Leone.
In this article, we will explore why the APC must move beyond Samura Kamara’s leadership if it is to win the 2028 elections. We will delve into the need for a new face, new ideologies, and fresh policies that resonate with the contemporary needs of the country. We will also examine how embracing change, innovation, and inclusivity within the APC can chart a new path forward, capable of inspiring a winning coalition that appeals to a diverse and evolving electorate.
Dr. Samura Kamara has had an illustrious career in Sierra Leonean politics and public service. He has served in various high-profile roles, including as Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone. His experience and understanding of both domestic and international economics are unquestionable. However, despite his credentials, Kamara’s two failed bids for the presidency suggest that he may not be the leader to take the APC back to power.
One of Kamara’s greatest strengths is also one of his most significant limitations: he represents continuity rather than change. Having been part of the political establishment for decades, Kamara’s leadership is often seen as a reflection of the APC’s past rather than its future. In a political environment where voters—especially young people—are increasingly seeking fresh ideas and dynamic leadership, Kamara’s image as a seasoned technocrat may not be enough to galvanize the broad-based support needed to win in 2028.
Moreover, Kamara’s campaigns in both 2018 and 2023 were marked by an inability to inspire the electorate with a clear, transformative vision for Sierra Leone. While he was rightly focused on issues of economic reforms and infrastructure development, his campaign fell short of the rhetoric and exhilarating exuberance that could have energized his campaign and bring the people closer to him rather than the APC under whose symbol and authority he was running. His campaign leadership style did not provide the excitement of the moment to be able to garner enough courage and optimism that is often necessary to mobilize large-scale voter turnout. In fact, the huge voter turnout at the 2023 elections that ultimately put the SLPP and Bio off-guard was not triggered by Samura’s campaigns; rather, it was flared by the people’s frustration, disenchantment and a will for a change.
The APC’s continued reliance on Dr. Samura Kamara’s leadership raises concerns about its ability to innovate and adapt to the changing political landscape in Sierra Leone. The party’s future success depends not only on its historical significance but also on its ability to resonate with an electorate that is increasingly demanding change. For the APC to effectively challenge the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in 2028, it must move beyond the image of continuity that Kamara represents and instead embrace a candidate who embodies innovation, inclusivity, and a clear vision for the future.
One of the most critical factors for electoral success in 2028 will be the ability to engage the youth of Sierra Leone. With a population dominated by young people under 35, the country’s youth are no longer satisfied with traditional political rhetoric or leadership styles. They want a candidate who understands their challenges—unemployment, lack of opportunities, poor education systems—and who can present clear, actionable solutions. Dr. Samura Kamara, despite his experience, has not demonstrated an ability to connect with this demographic in a way that inspires mass mobilization.
The APC needs a younger, more vibrant leader who can speak to the frustrations and hopes of Sierra Leone’s youth. This leader must not only bring fresh ideas but also create platforms for youth participation in the political process. A shift in leadership could invigorate the party’s base, inspire new volunteers and activists, and drive the enthusiasm needed for electoral victory.
Another challenge for the APC under Kamara’s leadership has been its limited appeal to women and marginalized groups. Sierra Leone’s evolving electorate demands inclusivity, and future leaders must prioritize the inclusion of women and minorities in both party leadership and policy-making. Kamara’s leadership style has not been perceived as actively promoting gender equity or creating opportunities for women to rise within the ranks of the APC.
To secure a broad-based coalition in 2028, the APC must prioritize policies that resonate with women, youth, and marginalized communities. This includes not only economic empowerment but also tackling issues such as maternal healthcare, education for girls, and gender-based violence. A new leader who can integrate these issues into the party’s platform will be critical in securing the votes of these important constituencies.
One of the key factors that have defined successful political movements around the world is the ability to present a transformative vision for the future. While Dr. Samura Kamara’s policies on economic reform and infrastructure development were necessary, they lacked the boldness and creativity required to address the complex, systemic problems Sierra Leone faces today. The electorates in particularly young people are looking for visionary leaders who can provide long-term solutions to entrenched issues such as corruption, poverty, and unemployment.
For the APC to succeed in 2028, it must offer more than just technocratic competence. It needs a leader who can articulate a future that inspires optimism, trust, and hope. This means developing innovative policies on education, technology, healthcare, and sustainable development. The party must present a candidate who not only understands these issues but is also capable of leading the nation toward a future that promises progress, fairness, and opportunity for all.
Samura Kamara’s leadership, while respected, represents the APC’s legacy, and in 2028, the party must be willing to break with the past if it hopes to regain power. Voters, particularly the younger generation, are seeking change—both in leadership and ideology. They want a break from politics as usual, which is why the APC must find new leadership that can lead the party into the future.
A younger, reform-minded leader will not only re-energize the base but will also signal to the electorate that the APC is serious about change. This shift would demonstrate that the party is capable of evolving, of listening to the demands of the people, and of adapting to the rapidly changing political climate in Sierra Leone.
To effectively challenge the SLPP in 2028, the APC must present a fresh face with bold, innovative policies that address the core concerns of Sierra Leoneans. The party needs to develop a platform that includes:
Economic Transformation: A comprehensive plan aimed at factually diversifying the economy, create jobs, especially for young people, and support small and medium enterprises. The APC must prioritize policies that stimulate the private sector and reduce dependency on foreign aid.
Education Reform: The APC must offer solutions to improve education quality, accessibility, and relevance. This includes addressing the digital divide, ensuring schools are adequately funded, and creating vocational training programs that prepare young people for modern jobs.
Technological Innovation: A focus on modernizing Sierra Leone’s technological infrastructure will be essential for growth. The next APC leader must advocate for digital literacy, investment in broadband, and the creation of a tech-savvy workforce to make the country competitive in the global economy.
Inclusive Governance: The APC must pledge to promote gender equality and inclusivity, ensuring that women and marginalized groups are represented at all levels of government and within the party itself. Policies must also address social issues such as healthcare access, maternal health, and gender-based violence.
Good Governance and Anti-Corruption: The APC must prioritize transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption. Voters are increasingly demanding good governance, and the APC must present itself as the party that will restore integrity and trust in public institutions.
While Dr. Samura Kamara’s contributions to Sierra Leone are of worthy note, the APC party must not rely on his leadership if it wants to mount a serious challenge in 2028. The future of the APC lies in its ability to adapt to the changing political landscape, which means embracing new leadership, fresh ideas, and an inclusive approach to governance.
The party needs a flagbearer who can inspire, engage, and mobilize a diverse electorate. A new leader will signal the APC’s readiness to chart a new path forward—one that reflects the aspirations of modern Sierra Leone and offers a clear vision for a prosperous future. By focusing on youth, innovation, and inclusivity, the APC can position itself as the party of progress and win the hearts of Sierra Leoneans in 2028.