In Sierra Leone, the political landscape has become a theater of endless drama, loud rhetoric, and shallow partisan loyalty — often at the expense of meaningful governance. Politicians seem to forget that their duty is not to themselves or their parties, but to the people they are elected or appointed to serve. As the country grapples with worsening economic conditions, rising unemployment, failing institutions, and growing insecurity, Sierra Leoneans are increasingly asking one critical question: when will our politicians stop politicking and start working?
It is high time for a bold national conversation — and a shift in political culture. Governance must no longer be treated as a game of survival, optics, and self-enrichment. Instead, it must become a serious platform for public service, accountability, and nation-building.
The Problem: Politics over Progress:
Since independence, Sierra Leone’s politics has been dominated by cyclical patterns of power-hungry maneuvering and post-election revenge rather than policy continuity and national development. Politicians invest more time in campaigning for the next election than governing in the present. Even in opposition, leaders often resort to political posturing — staging walkouts, making inflammatory statements, and creating distractions — instead of offering constructive solutions and holding government accountable with integrity.
Our national parliament, which should be a forum of informed debate and progressive policymaking, too often becomes a battleground of insults, walkouts, and blind partisanship. Political parties treat each other like enemies rather than co-partners in democracy. Instead of focusing on laws that would improve access to education, health, or economic opportunity, too many MPs are focused on defending their party’s image or preparing for the next election cycle.
Public Office is Not a Platform for Popularity:
The Sierra Leonean people are tired. They are tired of political showmanship without results. They are tired of empty slogans, tired of divisive speeches, and tired of the growing perception that politics is nothing more than a business venture.
Public office is not a popularity contest. It is not a personal brand. It is not about social media likes or flashy press conferences. To hold a public office is a contract; it is a sacred national trust obliging the holder to deliver on promises, implement policies, and improve the quality of life for citizens. When politicians use their time and platforms to focus on blame games, propaganda, and partisan gamesmanship, they break that contract.
A Country in Crisis Needs Workers, Not Talkers:
Sierra Leone is at a crossroads. The challenges facing the nation are enormous and require serious leadership. Inflation is squeezing the pockets of ordinary people. Youth unemployment is fueling frustration and social unrest. Education quality remains poor in many areas, and access to healthcare is still a privilege rather than a right. The agricultural sector is underdeveloped, and infrastructure development is inconsistent.
These are not problems that can be solved by catchy speeches or political rallies. They require planning, execution, monitoring, and leadership. The work is tough, slow, and often invisible — but it is the work that must be done. It is time for politicians to put away the microphones and roll up their sleeves.
Governance Is About Results, Not Rhetoric:
True leadership is measured not by how often one speaks, but by the results they deliver. Have the roads improved? Are children learning better in schools? Are hospitals stocked with medicine? Are farmers getting access to tools and credit? Are young people employed? These are the real metrics by which the public judges leadership — not how many times a politician appears on television or how loud they are in Parliament.
It is essential that both ruling and opposition parties remember this. The ruling party must focus less on defending its image and more on improving lives. The opposition must go beyond criticism and present workable alternatives. All parties must collaborate on national priorities and put country before party.
Time to End Political Idolatry:
Another major hindrance to progress in Sierra Leone is the culture of political idolatry — the blind loyalty to individuals rather than principles. Politicians are treated like saviors, even when they fail to deliver. Party supporters defend obvious failures just to “own” the other side. This mentality must stop.
Politicians are not above the people. They are public servants, not masters. Citizens must hold them accountable, not celebrate them for doing the bare minimum. We must elevate our expectations and demand competence, vision, and integrity from those who seek our votes.
The Role of Citizens and Civil Society:
While the burden of governance rests heavily on politicians, citizens also have a critical role to play. We must stop being passive. We must ask questions, demand accountability, and reject empty rhetoric. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, the media, and youth groups must amplify the voices of the people and push leaders to perform.
We must also demand transparency. Public funds must be accounted for. Projects must be monitored. Corruption must be exposed and punished, regardless of political affiliation. This is not a political agenda — it is a national survival imperative.
Let the Work Begin:
Sierra Leone does not lack talent. It does not lack resources. What it lacks is focused, honest, hardworking leadership — leadership that sees public service not as an opportunity for wealth, but as a mission to uplift the lives of millions.
The country is watching. The people are awakening. The 2028 elections will not be won with noise, tribalism, or recycled promises. They will be won by those who put in the work today, quietly and steadily, to build a better tomorrow.
It’s time our politicians stop the politicking and start delivering. The nation is waiting — and the clock is ticking.
APC’s Resilient Wait for Power:
After the controversial 2023 election loss under circumstances many have deemed deeply flawed and lacking transparency, the APC has managed to sustain its relevance through resilience, grassroots support, and strong opposition leadership. Yet despite the sympathy garnered from electoral irregularities and increasing public dissatisfaction with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the APC still has a monumental task ahead if it is to successfully reclaim State House in
Winning an election in Sierra Leone is not just about capitalizing on the ruling party’s failures. It requires a well-organized structure, a compelling message, a trustworthy leadership team, a clear development plan, and a deep, honest connection with the suffering masses. In all these areas, the APC has made progress — but the journey is far from over.
The SLPP’s Growing Vulnerabilities — An Opportunity, Not a Guarantee:
The Bio-led SLPP administration has seen its approval rating plummet amid soaring inflation, rising fuel prices, increasing taxation, and the collapse of social safety nets. Basic commodities like rice, cooking gas, and transport fares are now beyond the reach of many ordinary citizens. Civil liberties have been under attack, with allegations of extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and the suppression of dissenting voices.
These harsh realities have created a powerful sense of disillusionment among Sierra Leoneans, particularly among youth and civil society. But for the APC, this presents only an opportunity — not a guarantee. Sierra Leoneans may be disappointed in the SLPP, but disappointment alone does not translate to automatic support for the APC. The people are wiser now. They demand more than promises. They seek trust, direction, and integrity. The APC must rise to meet that demand.
Rebuilding Trust after Years in Opposition:
One of the most urgent tasks the APC must address is the restoration of public trust. While many remember the Koroma-led APC era (2007–2018) for infrastructure development and relatively stable governance, there were also criticisms — including concerns about corruption, centralized decision-making, and a lack of adequate youth empowerment. If the APC is to present itself as the alternative, it must confront its past, admit its shortcomings, and demonstrate clear lessons learned.
The electorate needs to see not just rebranded faces but reformed policies and values. APC must show that it has outgrown the mistakes of the past and matured into a party that places people over politics. Accountability, transparency, and service delivery should become the new pillars of its political identity.
Strengthening the Party’s Internal Structures:
Another major area of focus for the APC must be internal cohesion. The road to 2023 was rough, marred by legal challenges, internal wrangling, and factional disputes. The infamous 21-man committee saga, questions around delegate selection, and discontent among grassroots members all left scars that are yet to fully heal.
As 2028 draws near, the APC must prioritize unity. The days of parallel loyalties and behind-the-scenes sabotage must come to an end. If the party is to stand a real chance at reclaiming power, it needs to present a united front built on democratic values, fair representation, and genuine inclusivity. The people will not entrust power to a party that cannot govern its own house.
A Clear and Bold Policy Agenda:
The APC cannot go into 2028 with just criticism of SLPP mal-governance. It must offer hope, grounded in a credible and realistic policy agenda. Sierra Leoneans want to know how the APC plans to fix the economy, attract investment, reduce youth unemployment, stabilize the currency, protect civil liberties, and fight corruption. They want bold but feasible solutions — not populist rhetoric.
What is the APC’s economic blueprint? What reforms will it introduce in healthcare, agriculture, education, and technology? How will it support local businesses, increase salaries, and ensure equitable access to services? A convincing manifesto, backed by facts and a strong team, could become the deciding factor in a tight election.
A Fresh, Credible, and Electable Leadership:
Leadership will be a defining issue in 2028. The APC must carefully select a flagbearer who can bridge generational gaps, inspire national unity, and carry the weight of state leadership. This individual must be untainted by scandal, dynamic in vision, and emotionally in tune with the plight of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
In a political climate increasingly influenced by youth activism, media engagement, and civic awareness, the APC’s leadership must not only represent competence but also resonate with the dreams and frustrations of today’s generation. Whether through a younger leader with fresh energy or an experienced candidate with a renewed approach, the choice must reflect the future — not the past.
Engaging the Youth and Civil Society:
More than 60% of Sierra Leone’s population is under the age of 35. The APC cannot afford to ignore this reality. In 2028, the youth vote could determine the outcome of the elections. The APC must therefore intensify its engagement with students, graduates, young professionals, and grassroots youth movements. It must go beyond slogans and photo-ops and offer real programs — skills training, entrepreneurship opportunities, access to finance, and political inclusion.
Similarly, civil society and media actors must be treated as partners in democracy, not enemies. The APC should embrace accountability, encourage open dialogue, and establish itself as a party that values freedom, justice, and institutional integrity.
Election Preparedness: Surveillance, Advocacy, and Strategy:
Finally, the APC must begin preparing now to protect the integrity of the 2028 elections. The challenges of 2023 exposed serious vulnerabilities in the electoral system. From voter registration issues to ballot handling and results management, there are many lessons to be learned.
The APC must invest in legal readiness, polling station surveillance, parallel vote tabulation, and international advocacy. It must empower its supporters to report irregularities, protect its votes, and demand a free and fair process. Waiting until the last year will be a fatal mistake.
The APC may be the leading opposition force, but 2028 will not be handed to them on a silver platter. The road to victory is paved with hard work, deep reform, honest introspection, and strategic action. The failures of the SLPP have opened a window, but only the APC’s preparedness and integrity will determine whether they walk through it or watch it close again.
Sierra Leoneans are ready for a new chapter — not a recycled one, but a truly transformational future. If the APC is serious about leading that future, then now is the time to prove it.