Chairman of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC) has warned members of the De facto executive amid growing speculation over the possible return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma to Sierra Leone.

Conteh likened the move to a backroom political manoeuvre that could further divide the party.

Speaking on the issue, Conteh expressed “cautious ebullience” as Koroma’s supporters await what they believe will be his vindication from suspended treason charges.

However, he noted that Koroma’s influence in recent years has often come at the expense of the APC’s stability and, by extension, the country’s political landscape.

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Conteh, who has been both a supporter and critic of Koroma since before his presidency, recalled his public criticisms in 2017 regarding the former leader’s management of the APC. He asserted that a growing number of APC members now share the belief that Koroma’s continued involvement in the party is not in its best interest.

His comments come in response to reports that a faction of the APC executive recently visited Koroma in Nigeria. This meeting has sparked concerns that discussions may be underway to consolidate power within a select group rather than ensuring a fair and democratic future for the party.

To those worried about the implications of these meetings, Conteh reassured party loyalists: “Do not be afraid. The APC party does not belong to them; it belongs to the people of Sierra Leone, especially to those who identify with the APC.”

He vowed to resist any attempts to impose unilateral decisions on the party’s future, declaring, “No backdoor deals, no one-man show. This is the All Peoples Congress, not the Some Peoples Congress.”

As tensions rise within the APC, Conteh reaffirmed his stance that leadership should be determined through open and fair competition, concluding, “May the best man or woman win.”