By The Nightwatch Newspaper Editorial Team
The All People’s Congress (APC) party’s struggle with an overabundance of flagbearer contenders ahead of its February 2026 National Delegates Convention is both a sign of internal democratic vitality and a potential source for the party’s political instability and internal breakup. Because of the crucial nature of both dynamics in the ongoing inter-party power play between flagbearer contenders and their various groups of supporters, we have attempted to critically analyze the party’s prospects for unification behind a single candidate giving that the following identified conditions are strictly met to the pleasure and satisfaction of all contenders:
Internal Democratic Culture vs. Factionalism: The large number of contenders may indicate a vibrant internal democracy. It suggests that the party is not dominated by a single figure or clique and that its members feel empowered to contest.
However, in practice, this often reflects deep internal divisions and the presence of entrenched factions. If these groups are regionally or ideologically entrenched, the competition may escalate beyond healthy rivalry to harmful infighting:
Legacy of Previous Flagbearers: Influence of former President Ernest Bai Koroma: His legacy looms large. If he or his close allies are seen to be favoring a particular candidate, it could either consolidate support around that individual or deepen divisions among those who feel sidelined. The success or failure of the party under past flagbearers also plays a role in shaping delegates’ loyalty and perceptions of electability.
Convention Dynamics and Delegate Politics: The APC’s ability to rally behind a single candidate largely depends on how the delegate system is structured—whether delegates are beholden to grassroots sentiments, regional power brokers, or financial incentives.
Power-brokering vs. consensus-building: If the process is driven by behind-the-scenes deals rather than open consensus, the eventual flagbearer may struggle to gain the genuine support of rival camps, weakening post-convention unity.
Threat of Defections and Parallel Movements: In previous instances, unresolved grievances from contentious conventions have led to defections or independent campaigns, which split the vote and damage the party’s chances in general elections.
The presence of high-profile contenders who see themselves as “kingmakers” or indispensable may make it difficult for them to accept a loss gracefully.
Role of Youth and Reformist Movements within the APC: A growing bloc of younger, reform-minded members may push for a break from the “old guard,” creating a generational divide.
If the final candidate is seen as a recycled figure from past leadership cycles, it could alienate these younger factions.
Strategic Need for Unity against the SLPP: The APC’s awareness of its need to unseat the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) may incentivize unity. A divided APC could hand the SLPP an easy win in 2028.
If the SLPP appears vulnerable, the APC may have greater motivation to close ranks quickly, but if the ruling party is strong, infighting may persist and become toxic as the aspirants position for long-term power struggle rather than short-term victory.
In this circumstance, the question of party unity looms large. The stakes are high: will the APC emerge as a cohesive force or remain fractured by internal strife? The party’s recent history has been shaped by legal battles, leadership rivalries, and a struggle to modernize. The 2021 court-ordered reforms and the adoption of a new constitution in 2022 were turning points. Yet, deep-rooted factionalism—especially among loyalists of Dr. Samura Kamara and other powerful actors—still threatens cohesion.
The 2026 Convention presents both a challenge and an opportunity. A transparent, inclusive process could lend credibility to new leadership and heal longstanding rifts. But if the process is dominated by a single faction or marred by irregularities, the APC risks another cycle of disputes, disenchantment, and possibly a formal split.
For unity to be achieved, the APC must look beyond personality politics and prioritize party over personal ambition. It must activate its youth and diaspora voices, build robust internal mediation systems, and commit to fair play.
Unity after 2026 is possible—but it must be earned through reform, dialogue, and deliberate reconciliation. Anything less risks reducing the APC to a divided opposition, unfit for the democratic contest ahead.
In conclusion, the APC’s chances of unifying behind a single flagbearer are uncertain and hinge on a few key factors:
The transparency and fairness of the convention process; the willingness of losing contenders to rally behind the winner; and the party leadership’s ability to manage egos, regional and tribal interests, and generational expectations.
If not mismanaged well, the Convention could exacerbate divisions and flare up acrid acrimony, but with strategic negotiations, inclusive decision-making, and a focus on the broader goal of reclaiming national power, the APC could emerge stronger and more unified. However, at this point, the risk of fragmentation is as real as the potential for cohesion.