Dr. Samura Kamara should hand over reigns of Leader and unclothe himself off the title of Flagbearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC) party now that it is crystal clear that there is not going to be any re-run of the 2023 election and that no ECOMOG Stabilization Force is going to interfere into Sierra Leone’s internal system being a sovereign state to remove the pronounced winner of that June 23rd, 2023 election in spite of the controversies that winning is surrounded with.
Dr. Samura should now put up his moral uprightness to boldly and frankly instruct his “attack-dogs” and “dis-informers” and “mis-informants” and indeed his “propagandists” to now accept the reality that what Dr. Samura wanted and aspired for to be “President” of the Republic of Sierra Leone under the aegis of the APC party has since evaporated in thin air. He must now embrace the reality that his chances he has exhausted and should now give way to someone else, which, perhaps his own very support, can galvanize the party’s grassroots and elites into understanding the chances of the party in taking up governance of the state after the 2028 elections. Dr. Samura should now also understand that the APC grassroots and those Sierra Leoneans who are in sympathy and in support of the party are disenchanted with the level of his inertia in building the right blocks to defend and protect their votes for two consecutive elections as he has promised them. They now, moving forward, want a brand new leadership cadre that would aggressively focus on the ball especially when it’s being rolled in the court of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP).
Abiding to the rule of law and constitutionality are collective moral principles that show uprightness as a true democrat. What obtained therefore at the headquarters of the All Peoples Congress (APC) party on October 10th instant, is historic and the way to go if only, and only if, the main protagonist in what has become a nemesis for the party, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara succumbs to this transition reality and follows suit by also making history for the party’s progression.
The decision by the erstwhile Running Mate and Deputy Leader to Dr. Samura Kamara in the 2017 and 2023 elections respectively, to adhere to the stipulations set out in the party’s 2022 Constitution is very significant. By handing over his office, Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah honored the democratic process within his party; demonstrating that he respects the rule of law and prioritizes unity of the party above his personal ambition. This act is not just symbolic but rooted in the belief that the APC must embrace change to thrive as a grassroots movement.
The APC’s 2022 constitution clearly stipulates that when elections are held and the party does not secure victory, both the political leader and their deputy must vacate their offices. This is designed to ensure a smooth transition and create opportunities for new leadership to emerge—an important factor in any party that seeks to grow and sustain itself as a movement that reflects the will of its members.
Bah’s decision reflects a commitment to the democratic principles of his party. By respecting the constitution, he is paving the way for the APC to move beyond the past and focus on the future. However, this gesture also raises questions about the role of the political leader, Samura Kamara, who has yet to follow suit. In this context, Kamara’s refusal to step down not only violates the party’s own rules but risks dragging the APC into internal disarray, stalling its ability to move forward as a united force for change.
While it is true that the 2023 general elections in Sierra Leone were marred by irregularities and did not meet the basic standards of democracy, there is now an elected government. With a president in office, the notion of holding onto leadership positions in the APC no longer serves a practical purpose. The party must focus on renewal, preparing for the future rather than clinging to an outdated struggle for “electoral justice,” which, at this point, seems more like a philosophical abstraction than a concrete political strategy.
Chernor Bah’s actions exemplify putting the interests of the party ahead of personal ambition—a rare and commendable quality in modern politics. His resignation from office is not just about adhering to the letter of the constitution but about ensuring that the APC can evolve into a party of the future, one that is equipped to fight the next political battle with fresh leadership and renewed energy. It is this kind of foresight and willingness to embrace change that is essential for political progress.
In contrast, the political leader’s unwillingness to follow the same path threatens to destabilize the party. By holding onto power, Kamara risks alienating the very grassroots supporters he claims to represent. The APC’s future depends on a united front, not one torn apart by internal legal battles or dragged down by leaders unwilling to let go. Now more than ever, the APC must focus on moving forward—creating space for new leadership to emerge and building a platform based on the progressive ideas that can propel Sierra Leone into a brighter future.
The current situation presents an opportunity for the APC’s grassroots supporters to assert their influence. Chairman Minkailu Mansaray, as well as the broader party leadership, must rise to the occasion and ensure that the transition outlined in the constitution is completed. The call to unite and move forward with new faces is not just a desire for change but a necessity if the APC is to remain relevant and effective in Sierra Leonean politics.
The risk of internal divisions leading to a drawn-out court battle is real, and the consequences could be dire. Such a fight would not only weaken the APC but potentially discredit its leadership in the eyes of the public. The party cannot afford to be distracted by infighting at a time when it should be focused on preparing for future elections. The younger generation of APC supporters, equipped with resources, networks, and progressive ideas, must be empowered to lead the party forward.
The concept of electoral justice, while important, has its limits. The 2023 elections are over, and while they may have been flawed, continuing to hold onto a lost battle will only serve to weaken the party’s ability to challenge the current government in 2028. The APC must now turn its attention to rebuilding, uniting under new leadership, and creating a platform that resonates with the people of Sierra Leone.
True APC supporters—those who understand the importance of democratic principles and the need for change—must take charge of this moment. The future of the party lies in the hands of those who are willing to prioritize progress over personal ambition. The next chapter of the APC should be one of renewal, led by a new generation of leaders who can unite the party and build a movement that stands for the true interests of the people of Sierra Leone.
The path forward is clear: respect the constitution, embrace new leadership, and focus on building a united, progressive party that is ready to lead Sierra Leone into the future. The time for change is now.
He must now embrace the reality that his chances he has exhausted and should now give way to someone else, which, perhaps his own very support, can galvanize the party’s grassroots and elites into understanding the chances of the party in taking up governance of the state after the 2028 elections. Dr. Samura should now also understand that the APC grassroots and those Sierra Leoneans who are in sympathy and in support of the party are disenchanted with the level of his inertia in building the right blocks to defend and protect their votes for two consecutive elections as he has promised them. They now, moving forward, want a brand new leadership cadre that would aggressively focus on the ball especially when it’s being rolled in the court of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP).