𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Although these disputes led to the establishment of a new party constitution intended to decentralize power, they caused significant institutional harm. Dr. Richard Konteh and other key figures warned that ignoring constitutional constraints would escalate internal conflicts into a major crisis. The situation worsened sharply following the general elections on June 24, 2023, which President Julius Maada Bio of the SLPP won. The APC contested the outcome vigorously, citing alleged irregularities and transparency issues with the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone.

Feeling that the judiciary was biased against them, APC leadership chose to circumvent the courts and initiated a complete boycott of all governance structures. They directed elected officials to refuse their positions, raising significant ethical and legitimacy concerns within the party. Allegations surfaced that influential members, including Mohamed Jagaban Kamara, had funnelled substantial sums of money, such as a widely reported 500 million Leone cheque, to the executive. This practice received backlash as it was perceived as a form of bribery or an artificial “stipend” system meant to ensure compliance among elected officials, further fracturing party unity.

Ultimately, the boycott unravelled, with some MPs defying orders and facing suspension. However, international mediation by the Tripartite Committee led the APC to officially end the boycott and re-engage in governance in April 2026.

Fast forward to August 2026, the political scene heated up in Parliament over the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This pivotal legislation was not only expected to introduce progressive initiatives, like dual citizenship and a 30% gender quota, but also proposed substantial changes to electoral frameworks, igniting widespread controversy.

On August 10, 2026, APC MPs made headlines with a dramatic walkout during a crucial vote, showcasing their frustration over the ruling party’s apparent neglect of established procedural norms. Despite their protest, the Speaker of Parliament successfully passed the Bill with a simple majority. Opposition leaders, including former Anti-Corruption Commissioner and APC flagbearer aspirant Ady Macauley, strongly condemned the approval, arguing that Section 108 of the Constitution stipulates a two-thirds majority and a public referendum for any amendments to entrenched clauses. As a result, the APC has taken its grievances to the Supreme Court, seeking judicial clarity on the matter.

The internal discord reached a new level on August 27, 2026, when a surprising interim injunction from the Sierra Leone High Court struck at the heart of the APC leadership. The court’s decision barred National Chairman Ambassador Alhaji Osman Foday Yansaneh and National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya from carrying out their official responsibilities, delivering a serious setback to the party’s functionality and validating Dr. Konteh’s earlier cautions regarding the risks posed by unresolved internal issues leading to court intervention.

However, on August 31, 2026, Magistrate Fisher at High Court No. 2 addressed the APC’s petition, emphasizing that the party cannot be left in limbo and that activities must proceed. The court’s ruling requires all current members of the APC National Secretariat to assume the roles of former officials while continuing to fulfill their duties to ensure the party’s operations run smoothly. Additionally, the court mandated that the IECMC collaborate with the former secretariat to oversee the party’s internal processes. In a significant order, Magistrate Fisher allocated 21 days for the IECMC to conduct District elections nationwide. The matter is set for further discussions on September 19, 2026.

Though some may hastily conclude that victory is “not possible,” such certainty is rare in the political landscape. A closer look suggests that the APC faces a daunting challenge as it prepares for the next general elections, confronting several critical obstacles:

With its leadership effectively sidelined by legal restrictions, the party struggles to coordinate impactful national campaigns or galvanize its base.

Existing divisions among different factions including the old guard, reformists, and regional groups hamper the formation of a unified and persuasive message to unite supporters.

Should the SLPP’s constitutional amendments withstand Supreme Court scrutiny, the updated electoral framework may further solidify the incumbent’s hold on power, complicating the efforts of a divided opposition to mount a substantial challenge.

If the APC does not swiftly address its internal constitutional issues, restore its leadership through legal means, and transform its focus from internal strife to the pressing socio-economic concerns of voters, its chances of securing a democratic victory will remain severely jeopardized.