While the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has faced setbacks in recent years, its chances of winning the 2028 elections remain strong, provided the party can successfully address key challenges. Several factors work in the APC’s favour as it prepares for 2028.
One of the most significant opportunities for the APC in 2028 is the growing dissatisfaction with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). After two terms under President Julius Maada Bio, many Sierra Leoneans are frustrated with the SLPP’s poor performance, particularly on issues such as unemployment, inflation, public sector corruption, and security and growing instability. While the SLPP made major promises regarding education and economic development, significant portions of the population feel these promises have not been adequately fulfilled.
As a result, there is a growing sentiment among voters that it is time for a change in leadership. The APC can strategically position itself as the party of reform and progress, offering alternatives to the policies that many view as having failed under SLPP rule.
The APC has a strong historical connection to Sierra Leone, particularly in the Northern and Western regions of the country, where it has traditionally garnered significant support. Many voters still associate the APC with the development projects initiated under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, such as infrastructure improvements, energy projects, and efforts to combat corruption.
This enduring loyalty and the party’s long-standing presence in Sierra Leonean politics provide a solid foundation from which the APC can rebuild its support base. In a country where party loyalty often runs deep, the APC can tap into this history while making the case for a return to its leadership in 2028.
Sierra Leone has a youthful population, with over 60% of its citizens under the age of 35. This young demographic represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the APC. If the party can successfully engage and mobilize young voters, it could tap into a critical voting bloc that will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the 2028 elections.
While younger voters are often seen as more progressive and less likely to adhere to traditional party lines, they are also more likely to demand change when they are dissatisfied with the status quo. By crafting policies that address the key concerns of Sierra Leone’s youth, such as employment, education, and digitalization, the APC has the chance to attract first-time voters who are eager for a new direction.
The APC has a well-established party infrastructure, with a presence in virtually every region of the country. Despite its recent electoral setbacks, the party’s grassroots networks remain robust. These organizational capabilities will be critical as the APC gears up for the 2028 campaign. From mobilizing voters in rural areas to launching a coordinated media strategy, the APC’s ability to leverage its existing networks will give it a significant advantage over newer, less established political movements.
While the APC has several strengths that position it well for 2028, it must also confront a range of challenges that could undermine its chances of success. Addressing these challenges proactively is essential if the party wants to win the trust of voters and avoid another electoral defeat.
One of the most pressing challenges for the APC is resolving its internal divisions. The party has faced factionalism in recent years, with disagreements among its senior leadership and tensions between older members of the party and younger aspirants for leadership roles. This internal discord has often played out in public, weakening the party’s unity and its ability to present a cohesive front to the electorate.
If the APC hopes to succeed in 2028, it must resolve these internal conflicts and ensure that its leadership speaks with a single, unified voice. This will likely require compromises on both sides, as well as a renewed commitment to party unity. Engaging in a transparent and inclusive process for selecting the next flagbearer could help to heal these divisions and rally the party behind a common cause.
While the APC has a strong historical legacy, it must recognize that the electorate of 2028 is very different from that of the past. Many voters, particularly younger ones, are calling for new faces in politics and are looking for leaders who can provide a fresh vision for the future. The APC must be willing to embrace this demand for change by selecting candidates who represent the next generation of leadership.
This does not mean that the party should abandon its seasoned leaders altogether. Rather, it should strive to create a balance between experienced politicians and newer voices who can bring innovative ideas to the table. A forward-thinking agenda focused on modernizing and revamping the national economy, expanding digital infrastructure, and addressing pressing social issues like healthcare and education will be essential for the APC to appeal to a broad range of voters.
The issue of corruption has long plagued Sierra Leonean politics, and the APC is not immune to these accusations. During its time in power, the party faced criticism for various corruption scandals, and these issues remain in the public consciousness. To win back the trust of the electorate, the APC must make a strong, unequivocal commitment to fighting corruption, both within its ranks and in government institutions.
This commitment should be more than just rhetoric. The APC must propose concrete measures to enhance transparency and accountability in government, such as establishing independent anti-corruption bodies, strengthening whistle-blower protections, and increasing the transparency of public financial management. By demonstrating a genuine commitment to tackling corruption, the APC can rebuild its credibility and appeal to voters who are fed up with the status quo.
Sierra Leone continues to face significant economic challenges, including high unemployment, inflation, and a reliance on foreign aid. These issues are likely to be front and centre in the 2028 elections, and the APC must present a comprehensive economic plan that addresses these concerns head-on.
The APC’s economic strategy should focus on diversifying the economy, promoting private-sector growth, and creating jobs for young people. By supporting small and medium enterprises, investing in infrastructure projects, and prioritizing education and skills development, the APC can position itself as the party that will lead Sierra Leone to economic stability and growth.
Furthermore, the APC should prioritize policies that promote social equity and reduce inequality. This means not only focusing on urban areas but also ensuring that rural communities have access to opportunities, healthcare, and education. By addressing the economic challenges faced by all Sierra Leoneans, the APC can broaden its appeal and win the support of a diverse range of voters.
In today’s digital age, a strong media and digital presence is essential for any successful political campaign. The APC must recognize the power of social media and digital platforms in shaping public opinion, particularly among younger voters. To maximize its chances in 2028, the party needs to invest in a comprehensive digital strategy that includes social media outreach, online engagement, and the use of data analytics to better understand voter behaviour.
The APC should also prioritize transparency and open communication with the electorate. This means actively engaging with voters through town hall meetings, media appearances, and online platforms to discuss key policy issues and address concerns. A strong communication strategy will not only help the APC to build trust with the electorate but also ensure that its message reaches a wide audience.
To overcome the challenges it faces and position itself for success in 2028, the APC must develop a well-thought-out strategy that prioritizes unity, innovation, and responsiveness to the needs of the electorate. Below are several key strategies that the party should implement in the lead-up to the elections.
The APC should prioritize finding new leadership that can inspire confidence and appeal to a broad cross-section of Sierra Leonean society. While experienced party members still have an important role to play, the flagbearer for 2028 should be someone who represents a new generation of leadership. This individual should have a clear vision for the future of Sierra Leone, particularly regarding issues such as job creation, education, and technological advancement.
The APC must develop a platform that specifically targets young voters, addressing the issues they care most about. This includes creating jobs, expanding access to education and vocational training, and supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. The party should also ensure that young people have opportunities for meaningful participation in the political process by creating youth councils and offering leadership training programs.
APC is Coming: Why the All People’s Congress Has a Strong Chance of Winning the 2028 Elections and the Challenges It Must Address (continued) to all segments of Sierra Leonean society, including women, marginalized groups, and rural communities. To this end, the party must demonstrate a genuine commitment to gender equity and inclusivity. Women make up a significant portion of the electorate, yet their representation in leadership roles within political parties remains limited. The APC should seek to elevate women to leadership positions, both within the party and in government, to create a more inclusive political environment.
The party should also focus on policies that promote women’s empowerment, such as improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. By championing these issues, the APC can appeal to a key segment of the electorate and position itself as a forward-thinking party that values the contributions of all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of gender or background.
Internal divisions have plagued the APC in recent years, and addressing these challenges is crucial if the party is to succeed in 2028. The party leadership must prioritize unity, ensuring that internal disagreements are resolved through transparent and democratic processes. A divided party will struggle to present a cohesive platform to the electorate, and this could undermine its chances of winning the election.
One way to strengthen party cohesion is through regular internal dialogue and consultation with party members at all levels. The APC should also develop clear procedures for resolving disputes and selecting candidates, ensuring that these processes are fair and transparent. By fostering a culture of unity and collaboration, the party can build a strong foundation for its 2028 campaign.
Sierra Leone’s economic challenges will likely be one of the central issues in the 2028 elections, and the APC must present a clear, comprehensive plan to address these challenges. The party’s economic platform should focus on job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. It should prioritize sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, which have the potential to create jobs and drive economic growth.
The APC must also address the issue of economic inequality, ensuring that its policies benefit all Sierra Leoneans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities. This could include initiatives to support smallholder farmers, improve access to credit for small businesses, and invest in rural infrastructure. By promoting inclusive economic growth, the APC can appeal to a broad cross-section of voters and demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of all citizens.
One of the key issues that voters are likely to focus on in the 2028 elections is corruption. Both the APC and the SLPP have faced allegations of corruption in the past, and voters are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability in government. To win the trust of the electorate, the APC must present a clear plan for tackling corruption and promoting good governance.
This could include measures such as strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), implementing stricter oversight of public finances, and promoting transparency in government contracts and procurement. The party should also commit to appointing officials based on merit, rather than political connections, and ensuring that government institutions operate independently and free from political interference.
By making good governance a central pillar of its platform, the APC can distinguish itself from the SLPP and appeal to voters who are frustrated with the perceived corruption and inefficiency of the current government.
In an increasingly digital world, the APC must develop a strong media and digital strategy to reach voters, particularly younger ones. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp have become critical tools for political campaigns, and the APC should invest in building a strong online presence. This includes using social media to communicate its platform, engage with voters, and respond to concerns in real-time.
The party should also prioritize transparency and open communication with the electorate. Regular updates on the party’s activities, policies, and plans should be shared through both traditional and digital media channels. Additionally, the APC should invest in training its members and candidates on how to effectively use digital tools for campaigning and voter outreach.
By embracing digital technologies and building a strong online presence, the APC can connect with a wider audience, particularly younger voters, and ensure that its message reaches all corners of Sierra Leone.
While economic and governance issues will likely dominate the 2028 elections, the APC must also address key social issues that are important to Sierra Leoneans. This includes improving access to healthcare, expanding educational opportunities, and addressing the challenges of housing and urbanization.
The party should present a clear plan for improving the quality of healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, where access to medical facilities and trained healthcare professionals is often limited. It should also prioritize investments in education, ensuring that all children have access to quality schooling, regardless of where they live or their family’s financial status.
The issue of housing and urbanization is another critical area that the APC should address. Rapid urbanization has led to the growth of informal settlements and slums in cities like Freetown, where many residents lack access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. The APC should present a plan for addressing these challenges, including investments in affordable housing and infrastructure improvements.
By addressing these key social issues, the APC can present itself as a party that is committed to improving the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans and ensuring that all citizens have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
The 2028 elections represent a critical opportunity for the APC to reclaim its position as the leading political force in Sierra Leone. While the party faces significant challenges, including internal divisions, public perceptions of corruption, and the need to appeal to a younger, more diverse electorate, it also has several strengths that position it well for success.
By addressing these challenges proactively, the APC can build a strong, unified campaign that resonates with voters across the country. This will require new leadership that is commitment to good governance, and a focus on addressing the economic, social, and political issues that matter most to Sierra Leoneans.
The APC has a long and storied history in Sierra Leonean politics, and if it can adapt to the changing political landscape, it has a strong chance of winning the 2028 elections. By presenting a clear vision for the future, rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and economic growth, the APC can position itself as the party that will lead Sierra Leone into a new era of prosperity and progress.
