Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, popularly known as JFK, one of the leading flagbearer aspirants of Sierra Leone’s main opposition, the All People’s Congress (APC), has issued a strong warning to fellow aspirants vying for the party’s presidential flagbearer position.

In a recent post on his X account, the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice made it clear that the upcoming 2026 National Delegates’ Convention (NDC) will not be “business as usual, nor a coronation.”

JFK, who also once served as the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, expressed disappointment with the behavior of certain aspirants within the APC.

He accused them of focusing on international travels and attending parties while the party’s grassroots supporters suffer under the burden of poor governance in Sierra Leone. In his message, he highlighted the lack of visible opposition efforts from the party’s leadership.

“APC pretending aspirants are globetrotting and attending parties, while the grassroots suffer under the yoke of bad governance at home. No comment or an iota of opposition posturing is heard from the caboodle. Next convention will not be business as usual, nor a coronation,” JFK wrote.

When asked about his own intentions for the 2026 presidential flagbearer race, JFK did not mince words. “I am already in the pitch waiting for the whistle. I never stepped out of the pitch,” he stated confidently, signaling his readiness for the contest.

He went on to suggest that others within the APC aren’t even close to being contenders, claiming, “Others are not even on the sub-bench, let alone on the touchline.”

His remarks come amidst growing dissatisfaction among APC supporters and members regarding the party’s internal processes.

Recently, several APC leaders were seen attending a party organized by the APC-USA executive, which stirred frustration among some party members back in Sierra Leone.

There are also concerns about the ongoing membership registration and verification exercise, with reports indicating that many within the party are dissatisfied with the process for various reasons.

JFK’s statement serves as a warning that the upcoming convention will be a defining moment for the APC, with grassroots engagement and accountability likely to play a central role in the selection of the party’s next presidential candidate.