By Janet Aminata Sesay
In a move aimed at strengthening democratic principles and fairness within the All People’s Congress (APC) party ahead of the crucial 2026 National Delegates Convention that will consequently elect its Leader and Flagbearer for the 2028 elections, Chief Sam Sumana has unequivocally called on the APC to expunge what he described as “the discriminatory clause” of five years continuous membership from its constitution, if the party truly seeks to conduct a fair, inclusive, transparent leadership election process.
His statement at a well-publicized press conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025, that has captured the attention of Sierra Leoneans and political observers alike, the former Vice President of Sierra Leone and a prominent APC member, emphasized his unwavering membership of the APC party and his commitment to peace, unity, and the development of the nation.
In a candid statement, Chief Samsumana dilated on the controversies surrounding his political journey, his stance on the APC’s future, and his vision for Sierra Leone’s progress. The Kono Political Strongman began by advocating for forgiveness, invoking his religious teachings that emphasize pardoning those who have wronged him. “I have forgiven what the APC did to me,” he declared, highlighting his willingness to move beyond those past grievances.
He reiterated his readiness to support the APC in its quest to win the upcoming elections, but highlighted that no political party has the right to enact laws that contravene the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991.
In a firm tone, Chief Samsumana assured supporters and party members that he remains committed to the victory the APC party and pointed out: “I shall stand to make sure that I support the APC to win the next election,” he declared and encouraged APC party members not to harbor fears, rather, they work to foster a level playing field where the best candidate can emerge, declaring: “Let the best person win,” while emphasizing the significance of integrity and fairness within the party.
He also called on APC members to set a good example, stressing that unity and discipline are essential for the party’s revival. “I have done everything humanly possible not to take to arms but I run, for he who runs lives to fight another day,” Sumana said, underscoring his commitment to peaceful political engagement. He assured that he will not support any action that could plunge Sierra Leone into chaos or anarchy. “I am born APC and I am living APC; and I will die APC,” the World renowned Peace Ambassador stated.
Addressing rumors and past disputes, Sumana dismissed claims that he is not qualified to contest for the APC’s flag bearer position. He explained that he was removed from office not through legal channels but through internal party disagreements, and clarified that he did not leave the APC but was expelled.
He pointed out that he was also asked to lead the C4C party, which he did not establish but that he was invited to lead the party at the 2017 elections.
Chief Samsumana pointed out that the current situation is not about personal grievances; but about focusing on the future. “It is nobody’s business concerning what transpired between me and former President, Ernest Bai Koroma,” he said, urging all party members to look forward and reconcile.
He recalled his reinstatement into the APC but criticized Article 61(b) of the revised 2020 APC Constitution which states: “For a member to be eligible to be voted for as a Presidential Candidate, that member must have been a registered paid-up member of the party for the continuous period of not less than five years” describing the clause as “discriminatory and unfair” and that, “it grossly contravenes” the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, particularly Section 171(15), which, he maintains, qualifies him to run for the APC flag bearer race.
He called on the party to remove the clause in the spirit of fairness, unity and a just election process that seeks to elect a leader that is popular and of the will of the people-in this case, the will of the members of the APC party.
Throughout his speech, Sumana demonstrated a steadfast desire for peace and reconciliation. He expressed his willingness to serve as an Ambassador of Peace and working for the unification of the APC, regardless of internal divisions. “We are not many who have it,” he said, referring to the influence and leadership he believes he possesses and can provide.
He also voiced concerns over unresolved issues within the party, noting that the APC Elders Council has so far lacked the moral uprightness to address critical internal disputes such the one directly involving his “orchestrated” disqualification from contesting for the party’s leadership. He therefore declared: “Since they have not resolved the Sam Sumana 28 matter, I have submitted our documents of complaint to the PPRC for its adjudication,” while emphasizing that action as his preference to avoid legal battles, but rather to seek an amicable solution to has become the biggest anathema the party has faced in decades of its existence.
In closing, Pomasu Sahr Samuel Samsumana called on APC members and all Sierra Leoneans to prioritize good governance, the rule of law, separation of powers, and imbibe astute patriotism. “I am not just working to develop the APC but to develop the country,” he affirmed, reiterating his dedication to national progress and unity.
These remarks of a Political dinosaur from Sando Chiefdom in Kono District have come at a critical juncture for the APC and Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
His call for reconciliation, unity, and adherence to constitutional civility underscores a desire for stability and progress in a political party of which his late father Tamba Sumana of Yormandu in Sandor Chiefdom, Kono District was one of the critical funders of the party since its inception and was a pioneer in the establishment of the party in Kono District in the 1960s through to the 1980s. One of the significant socioeconomic infrastructural development that still remains a legacy of the late APC guru in Kono District, is the construction of the Baffin Bridge across the Baffin River at Yormandu, significantly contributed to heartening the hearts and minds of Kono people to the APC at a time when it appeared dominated by the Sierra Leone People’s Party under the towering influence of people like the late Paul Dumbar. His solemn but frank proposition to the political party of his birth therefore, should not be mistaken as any undermining antics, but one that seeks to heal, unite and pave a smooth road for the party’s re-emergence to power in 2028.
The former Vice President said he is a proud member of the All People’s Congress Party and extended his heartfelt goodwill message of unity and togetherness to every member of the party, while reminding them: “In these challenging times, it is crucial that we stand together as a united party by embracing our diversity in terms of tribe and region and to work towards our common goal. Let us foster peace, understanding and collaboration; not just within our borders but across the globe,” he urged, affirming that in togetherness they can build a stronger APC party, and build a brighter Sierra Leone where every voice is heard, every person is valued and everyone is a beneficiary of the national good.