In a dramatic shift within Sierra Leone’s political landscape, Samura Kamara, the All People’s Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has vacated the party’s headquarters following a directive from APC Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya.

Kamara’s decision to step aside on Monday, marked by the removal of his personal belongings, signals a major development within the APC, igniting a debate over the party’s leadership and future.

Dumbuya issued a formal notice to Kamara, asserting that his tenure as party leader had officially concluded, urging him to vacate the office. Kamara’s compliance with this directive has sparked mixed reactions across the party’s ranks, with loyal supporters expressing disappointment and concerns about the APC’s leadership direction. Many Kamara loyalists view his departure as an unwarranted end to a period of steady leadership during turbulent times, with some suggesting they may reconsider their support for the APC.

“It’s disheartening to see a leader like Kamara treated this way,” said a close supporter. “He has guided us through difficult times, and now the party risks alienating experienced members without a solid plan for the future.”

Others within the APC, however, welcome Kamara’s exit as a pivotal step toward modernization. “This is a necessary change,” said a senior party member who supported the decision. “Kamara’s departure opens the door for fresh leadership and new energy to drive the APC forward.” Advocates for new leadership argue that Kamara’s prolonged influence had hampered the party’s evolution, calling for younger, more dynamic candidates to lead the party ahead of upcoming elections.

Kamara’s departure highlights a deepening internal struggle as the APC grapples with calls for modernization after its recent electoral defeat. Divisions within the party over his legacy and leadership reveal underlying tensions, as some members push for a broader, more inclusive vision to expand the party’s appeal among younger and undecided voters.

Kamara has not yet issued a public statement, and it remains unclear what role, if any, he will play in the APC’s future. Political analysts suggest that his exit could either provide a unifying opportunity for the party to regroup or deepen existing rifts, potentially weakening its position in Sierra Leone’s political sphere.

As the APC navigates this transition, observers are closely watching how the party’s leadership shift will impact its strategy and influence in the run-up to the next elections.