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Sierra Leone’s All People’s Congress (APC) is at a critical juncture following its recent constituency executive elections. Intended to lay the groundwork for the upcoming National Delegates Conference, these elections have ignited a fierce public relations battle. Leading contenders are backing rival factions, each claiming supremacy over the newly elected grassroots officials.
While the APC National Secretariat lauded the voter turnout among members, higher-ups in the party are increasingly worried that the fervent activities of flag-bearer camps are overshadowing the party’s core structure. “These are constituency-level elections to build the party, not flag-bearer primaries,” cautioned APC official Abubakarr Kargbo, calling on candidates to let the secretariat verify and announce the official results before claiming any victory.
Adding to the complexity is Dr Ibrahim Bangura, whose supporters have branded him “The Reformer.” Breaking from the status quo, the Bangura camp has initiated a vigorous post-election PR campaign. They assert that his slate of grassroots candidates achieved significant wins in various constituencies, positioning him as a serious contender.
Bangura’s strategy is rooted in tactical positioning: his backers emphasise his academic and institutional prowess, portraying him as a fresh alternative to the party’s internal conflicts. They contend that primary voters leaned towards his reform-minded delegates over the traditional godfathers of the party.
By presenting himself as a technocrat capable of revitalising both party dynamics and national economic policy, Bangura seeks to garner support from neutral, policy-focused delegates who feel alienated by the wealth-driven campaigns of the frontrunners.
Like his competitors, Bangura’s claims of being “on top of the situation” are strategic, designed to convey an image of viability. In a political landscape where voters are drawn to perceived winners, his campaign understands that fostering a sense of momentum is crucial to turning a dark-horse bid into a mainstream movement.
The actual impact of “The Reformer” on constituency results will be revealed when the official registry is released. However, his narrative post-election signifies that the path to the 2028 ticket will not merely favour the traditional elites. The rush from nearly all flagbearer aspirants to assert they are “on top of the situation” is a calculated move in this intricate political game.
In the APC, the results of lower-level elections, from the recent ward contests to the concluded constituency polls, will determine the delegates at the national convention. Effectively controlling the constituency executives translates to controlling the pivotal vote for the 2028 presidential candidate.
By declaring an early and definitive victory, frontrunners such as Mohamed “Jagaban” Kamara and the esteemed legal figure Joseph F. Kamara (JFK) are attempting to project an aura of invincibility. In Sierra Leonean politics, local delegates often gravitate towards candidates perceived to possess the most financial strength and momentum. By announcing apparent control, they aim to sway undecided neutral delegates while discouraging rival factions.
However, the actual situation on the ground is more nuanced than the sweeping claims made by any single candidate. Initial reports suggest a fragmented electoral landscape: traditional powerhouses like Dr Richard Konteh and Dr Kaifala Marah continue to wield significant influence over core regional executives. High-profile candidates like “Jagaban” and legal figures like Ady Macaulay have secured support for successful slates in urban areas. New contenders such as Al-Hassan Gbessay Kanu have managed to flip critical constituencies by resonating with voters weary of ongoing party infighting.
Though the IEMC has labelled the electoral process as largely peaceful, the elections have revealed systemic weaknesses. Isolated incidents of violence occurred in certain districts, which drew criticism from figures like Al-Hassan Gbessay Kanu, who cautioned that internal discord merely aids the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Moreover, unresolved issues from previous ward elections mean the party now faces a wave of new petitions and possible re-runs through its internal processes.
The APC is caught in a classic political dilemma. The fierce competition highlights the party’s allure, showcasing a wealth of capable leaders poised to challenge the ruling regime. Yet, if candidates maintain a focus on personal ascendance rather than structural cohesion, the party risks splintering before the critical fight begins.
The next few weeks will clarify which candidates genuinely hold grassroots support. As the IEMC finalises the official registries, the aspirants’ claims will encounter the tough reality of the data. For the APC to secure the state house in 2028, its leaders must shift from proclaiming they are “in control” to addressing their internal divisions effectively.
