The satellite Desk has gathered from sources close to the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) that the party is putting in place a Plan B strategy to endorse Major (Rtd) Alfred Palo Conteh as their 2023 presidential flagbearer.

Not wanting to be caught flatfooted, should Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara be found guilty by the Freetown High Court of corruption in the ongoing New York Chancery Building renovation trial, reports are that the party leadership, as well as the membership are looking for a suitable alternate presidential candidate to lead the party into the 2023 national elections that are scheduled for 24th June, 2023. The other favoured potential APC flagbearer =, Chief Sam Sumana’s reapplication for membership after membership after he was expelled in 2015 for anti-party activities will be determined at the party’s national delegates’ conference when at the same time will elect the party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer.

Palo Conteh, a nephew of the later erstwhile President Joseph Saidu Momoh, who enjoys support from youths of the party, came to political limelight when he was appointed Defense Minister by former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma in October 2007. He was also appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Emergency Response Centre (NERC) by erstwhile President Koroma in November October, to lead the country’s fight against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Palo Conteh was one of nearly 30 aspirants for the 2018 APC presidential flagbearer position that were turned down by the APC national chairman and Leader, former President Koroma for Dr. Samura Kamara. He was on of the  former APC Government officials that were investigated of President Bio’s appointed Commissions of inquiry.

Palo Conteh was also accused of treason and unlawful possession of small arms in May 2020. He was acquitted and discharged on three reason offences but convicted on unlawful possession of small arms an sentenced to 24 months. The Retired Major however received a presidential pardon on New Year’s Day in 2021.

What is however doubtful is whether Palo Conteh would qualify for nomination given that he was convicted of an offense for which he served jail term.

Meanwhile, Dr. Samura Kamara, who is on a Le2 billion bail, is facing trial at the Freetown High Court with five others accused by the Anti-Corruption commission (ACC) of alleged corrupt practices in relation to the Sierra Leone Chancery Building in New York by falling to comply with Applicable Procedures and Guidelines.

According to the Satellite Newspaper, all six accused were charged with a total of 48 count, of which 30 co9nts was given to the first accused, Saidu Nailo, Head of Chancery of Sierra Leone Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, 20 counts to the second accused, Foday Vahfomba, the former Attaché of Sierra Leone Mission to the United Nations and two counts charges to Dr. Samura Kamara, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and international Cooperation under the Koroma administration.