In a recent Facebook post, prominent Sierra Leonean politician Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden revisited her legal arguments submitted to the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) in 2021.

Writing from the picturesque landscapes of Minnesota, USA, she reflected on the implications of her earlier legal stand and its relevance to the current political landscape in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Blyden’s arguments in 2021 centered on the alleged unlawful directives by the leadership of the All People’s Congress (APC) to boycott the 2021 Census. She contended that such directives would have far-reaching consequences for the APC’s electoral prospects in 2023 and beyond. Her position was that these directives were unlawful and could potentially harm the party’s standing.

In anticipation of similar directives in the future, Dr. Blyden urged the PPRC to amend the APC’s constitution to remove provisions that granted the leadership blanket powers to discipline members who refused to comply with these directives.

The APC leadership, represented by lawyers such as Pa Osman Yansaneh and Pa Minkailu Mansaray, contested Dr. Blyden’s arguments before the PPRC. However, the commission ultimately concurred with her legal interpretation and ordered changes to the APC’s constitution. This amendment restricted the party’s ability to sanction or discipline members only in cases where boycotts and directives were deemed lawful.

Dr. Blyden has now pointed to the ongoing controversy surrounding the refusal of elected MPs like Hon. Mohamed Bangura and Hon. Alfred Thompson to take their oaths, asserting that such defiance of the constitution cannot serve as a lawful directive and should not be used as grounds for disciplinary actions.

She cautioned her fellow APC members against adding further complexity to an already intricate internal situation within the party, emphasizing the need for wisdom and unity among APC comrades.

In conclusion, Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden shared her thoughts and insights, signifying the importance of adhering to legal and constitutional principles within the APC as Sierra Leone prepares for the 2023 elections.

The post was made on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, as Dr. Blyden reached out to her followers and the Sierra Leonean public with her perspective on these critical issues