As Sierra Leone hurtles toward the 2028 general elections, all eyes are on the All People’s Congress (APC), the main opposition party once firmly rooted in power. Once the dominant political force in the country, the APC now faces a daunting reckoning: will it regain the trust of the electorate and return to governance, or will internal divisions, youth disillusionment, and shifting political tides render it a relic of the past?
The 2028 elections will not merely determine who governs Sierra Leone but will serve as a referendum on APC’s political future. After consecutive losses in the 2018 and 2023 general elections, the party stands at a pivotal crossroads.
A Party of Legacy and Lapses:
Founded in 1960, the APC has a long and storied history. Under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, the party governed Sierra Leone for a decade (2007–2018), overseeing significant infrastructure development and post-war recovery efforts. However, the latter years of its rule were marred by accusations of corruption, economic stagnation, and increasing authoritarian tendencies. These failures gave the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) a strategic opening to reclaim power in 2018 and again in 2023.
Despite their defeat in 2023, the APC managed to secure 54 parliamentary seats and around 40% of the presidential vote—evidence of a loyal base, but also a warning sign of limited reach beyond traditional strongholds. The next five years present both a challenge and an opportunity: either rebrand and reconnect or face political extinction.
The Fault Lines Within:
The APC’s internal issues remain its biggest liability. Factional infighting—particularly between traditionalists loyal to Ernest Bai Koroma and reformists pushing for generational change—has prevented a unified front. Disputes over flagbearer selection, allegations of imposition, and the marginalization of emerging voices have plagued the party.
Calls for party renewal have been loud, especially from figures like Dr. Richard Konteh, who advocates for internal democracy, youth inclusion, and transparency. Still, party elites often resist structural change, clinging to power at the expense of growth. Unless the APC can build consensus around an inclusive, dynamic leadership slate by 2027, its chances in 2028 will be significantly undermined.
A Nation of Youths – A Party of Elders:
Over 60% of Sierra Leone’s population is under the age of 30. For APC to regain relevance, it must break free from its gerontocratic mold. Younger voters today are digitally connected, socially aware, and politically impatient. They demand more than tribal loyalty or historical nostalgia—they want jobs, education, and dignity.
The APC has yet to present a compelling youth agenda or embrace meaningful participation of young leaders in party structures. Without authentic engagement, it risks alienating the very demographic that could swing elections.
In contrast, smaller parties and civic movements have begun tapping into this youthful energy. If APC continues to ignore this shift, 2028 could signal a generational rejection of its outdated playbook.
The SLPP’s Waning Shine: An Opportunity
The SLPP under President Julius Maada Bio has its own challenges. While it touts programs like Free Quality Education and “Feed Salone,” many citizens remain frustrated by economic hardship, inflation, poor infrastructure, and perceived governance failures.
This growing public dissatisfaction presents a clear opening for the APC—if it can present itself as a viable, credible alternative. Merely pointing out SLPP’s failures won’t suffice. The APC must articulate a forward-looking, solutions-based platform that resonates with ordinary Sierra Leoneans, especially those suffering from poverty, unemployment, and lack of healthcare.
A well-crafted policy manifesto, built on jobs, innovation, accountability, and national unity, could help the APC shift perception from a party of the past to a party of possibilities.
Electoral Integrity: The Fight Before the Fight:
The 2023 elections were marred by controversy, with the APC disputing results and demanding a rerun. Their concerns over transparency and alleged irregularities raised alarms locally and internationally. However, protest without preparation is not a strategy.
For 2028, the APC must build electoral resilience: invest in voter education, deploy trained observers, lobby for electoral reforms, and work with regional and international partners to ensure credible polls. Without robust election-day machinery and legal preparedness, the party risks repeating the missteps of the past.
Scenarios for 2028: Hope, Hold, or Collapse?
Path to Power (Best Case):
The APC reconciles internal factions, elects a widely respected presidential candidate, mobilizes youth, and presents a compelling policy platform. With SLPP struggling to deliver, APC seizes the moment and narrowly wins in 2028.
Opposition Stronghold (Middle Case):
The party improves its parliamentary strength and governs key municipalities but fails to clinch the presidency. It remains the main opposition force, preparing more confidently for 2033.
Political Irrelevance (Worst Case):
Infighting continues, youth disengage, and APC runs an uninspired campaign. Meanwhile, third parties and civic alliances surge. The party suffers electoral humiliation, losing both credibility and capacity.
The Clock Is Ticking:
The APC’s fate in 2028 is not sealed—it will be shaped by the decisions it makes now. Reconciliation, renewal, and readiness are its only paths to redemption. The appetite for change exists in Sierra Leone; whether APC can be the vehicle for that change depends on its willingness to evolve.
Will the APC rise as a rejuvenated force with a vision for all Sierra Leoneans? Or will it be remembered as a giant that couldn’t get out of its own way?
2028 may not just determine the party’s next chapter—it may close the book entirely.