The All People’s Congress (APC) has always been a dominant player—fierce, strategic, and relentless. But after nearly a decade in opposition, the party’s mood has shifted from patient anticipation to urgent determination. The APC is tired of watching from the sidelines. Their message heading into 2028 is clear: they want power back, and they want it now.
The Pain of Being in Opposition:
For a party accustomed to ruling, opposition is a bitter pill. Since their electoral defeat in 2018, the APC has endured political humiliation, internal wrangling, and a systematic attempt by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to weaken their influence. They have watched policies they opposed pass without their consent, seen their strongholds starved of development, and endured a steady erosion of their political space.
The APC’s years in opposition have been more than a political challenge—they have been a personal affront to party loyalists. The base has grown restless, eager to see the red sun rise again over State House. For many, 2028 is not just another election—it is a political redemption mission.
A Renewed Appetite for Victory:
Every political party wants to win elections, but the APC’s hunger today is different—it is sharpened by a sense of unfinished business. The party’s leaders and grassroots believe the 2018 loss was more the result of political circumstances and electoral irregularities than a rejection of their governance. They feel robbed of their rightful place and see 2028 as the moment to reclaim it.
Under the leadership of Dr. Samura Kamara, who retains significant national appeal despite his 2018 defeat, the APC has been rebuilding its structures, reconnecting with grassroots supporters, and presenting itself as the only viable alternative to the SLPP. His calm yet firm leadership style has been key in uniting a party that once seemed on the brink of collapse due to factional disputes.
The Failures of SLPP: APC’s Golden Opportunity:
If APC’s hunger for power is the spark, SLPP’s failures are the fuel. After two terms in office, the SLPP has presided over a worsening economic crisis, rising unemployment, and deepening public dissatisfaction.
In rural areas, agricultural productivity has declined despite government pledges, while urban areas have seen the cost of living skyrocket. The “Feed Salone” initiative has delivered little more than slogans, and the once-praised Free Quality Education scheme has been undermined by funding shortfalls and declining standards.
APC strategists know that elections are often lost by governments rather than won by opposition parties. In 2028, they plan to present themselves not only as the opposition but as the solution—the party ready to hit the ground running with policies that address bread-and-butter issues immediately.
Grassroots Mobilization: The APC’s Secret Weapon:
One of APC’s greatest strengths is its deep grassroots network. From the diamond fields of Kono to the fishing villages of Port Loko, the party’s structures are alive, active, and waiting for the call to action.
The party’s local chapters have been holding community meetings, youth mobilizations, and women’s forums to keep supporters engaged and motivated. The narrative is simple: SLPP has failed you—APC will restore hope.
These grassroots connections are critical because they not only mobilize voters but also serve as informal campaign intelligence networks, feeding real-time information about community sentiments back to party headquarters.
The Battle for Youth Votes:
The APC understands that Sierra Leone’s political future lies in the hands of its young people, who make up the majority of the voting population. Over the past few years, the party has increased its outreach to youth groups, offering them a central role in campaign activities and policy discussions.
With youth unemployment alarmingly high under the SLPP, APC is promising job creation through infrastructure projects, small business support, and renewed investment in skills training. They are positioning themselves as the party that will turn frustration into opportunity.
Rebranding and Messaging:
One of the APC’s challenges after 2018 was shedding the negative perceptions of its last term in office, including allegations of corruption and political arrogance. The party has worked to rebrand itself, emphasizing unity, transparency, and competence.
Campaign messaging now focuses on restoration—restoring the economy, restoring national unity, restoring trust in governance. The slogan “Back to Work for Sierra Leone” is gaining traction, portraying the APC as the party of action, ready to rebuild a struggling nation.
A Political Machine Ready for Battle:
Behind the scenes, the APC’s election machinery is already in motion. They have been mapping out key battleground constituencies, strengthening alliances with smaller parties, and preparing to field credible parliamentary candidates across the country.
Unlike in 2018, when internal disputes weakened their campaign, the party appears more united heading into 2028. Senior figures have publicly committed to supporting the eventual presidential candidate, reducing the risk of fragmentation.
The 2028 Showdown Will Look Like:
The APC knows that the 2028 election will be fiercely contested. SLPP will fight hard to hold onto power, but the APC’s strategy must be clear—make the election a referendum on SLPP’s record. Every economic hardship, every broken promise, and every failed project will be part of the campaign narrative.
APC intends to run not just as a party seeking power, but as a movement to rescue Sierra Leone from stagnation. They believe the country’s mood has shifted decisively, and they are determined to be the beneficiaries of that change.
After nearly ten years in opposition, the APC is more determined than ever to return to power. The combination of their grassroots energy, renewed unity, and a governing party in crisis has created what many within the party see as the perfect storm for victory.
For the APC, 2028 is not just about politics—it is about reclaiming their place in history, restoring the pride of their supporters, and proving that they are still the party that can deliver for Sierra Leone.
They are not content to wait for another cycle. They are not willing to endure another term in the political wilderness. The APC wants power now—and they are prepared to fight for it with every tool, every speech, and every ounce of political capital they have left.