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The All People’s Congress (APC) could be prevented from contesting the 2028 general elections if it fails to pay fines levied against the party and one of its high-profile supporters, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has warned.
According to PPRC regulations under the Political Parties Act No. 25 of 2022, political parties, their members, supporters and hierarchy are prohibited from using incendiary, profane or provocative language against other parties or their members.
The law, which was emphasised to both the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the APC during a formal meeting in November 2025, requires all registered parties to maintain civil and lawful political conduct or face sanctions, including fines and other measures provided under the Act.
At issue are fines imposed on the APC following statements made at public events. In early February 2026, the PPRC announced that it had imposed fines totaling NLe350,000 on the APC for alleged violations of Section 39(1)(c) and 39(1)(d) of the Political Parties Act, which restrict the use of profane, provocative or inciting language in political discourse. The penalties relate to remarks attributed to APC officials during a mammoth meeting at Atouga Mini Stadium on January 31, 2026.
The fines included a NLe150,000 penalty linked to statements by entertainer and APC member Zainab Sheriff, who has publicly confirmed on multiple media platforms – including EPIC Radio, Liberty Online TV and Truth Media – that she is a full member and supporter of the APC. Sheriff has rejected the PPRC penalty and announced plans to challenge the Commission in court if the party settles the fine on her behalf.
Under the Political Parties Act, failure to comply with fines within the stipulated period can prompt the PPRC to take “further measures as provided for under the Act,” potentially including deregistration or prohibition from participating in future elections.
The Commission’s warning echoes a formal notice issued to both major parties in November 2025, reminding them of their obligations under the law to refrain from inciting or inflammatory conduct.
The APC has faced similar sanctions in the past, including a fine of NLe120,000 imposed in November 2025 for an alleged breach of Section 39(1)(d) by one of its district officials, which was later paid.
Party officials have yet to publicly state whether the latest fines will be settled. Observers note that the outcome could have significant implications for the APC’s ability to field candidates in the 2028 elections, underscoring the PPRC’s expanding role in regulating political party conduct in Sierra Leone’s multiparty system.
