The All People’s Congress (APC) leadership has abruptly suspended the nationwide registration and verification exercise, which began on July 31, 2024.

The decision comes after widespread reports of resistance from party members and supporters across the country.

Despite an initial call from the APC leadership urging full participation, the exercise quickly faced significant opposition. Many members, particularly from key regions such as Kono District, questioned the legitimacy of the process and demanded greater inclusion of certain political figures within the party’s leadership.

Grassroots supporters in Kono specifically demanded the inclusion of Chief Sam Sumana and Lady Diana Konomani in the party’s top ranks before they would participate in the exercise.

Tensions within the party have been exacerbated by ongoing disputes involving the defunct Interim Transitional Governance Committee (ITGC), previously chaired by Alfred Peter Conteh.

Members of the ITGC have expressed concerns that the current registration process undermines the work they conducted during their brief tenure. They have threatened legal action if their earlier efforts are disregarded.

The APC leadership reportedly decided to halt the registration exercise due to these internal challenges and the increasing discontent among regional, district, and constituency executives. The move reflects the deepening divisions within the party as it grapples with internal power struggles and demands for greater transparency and inclusion from its grassroots base.

The suspension of the registration exercise has cast further uncertainty over the party’s ability to unite its members ahead of its members  and ahead of future electoral contests, a Kono resident lamented.