By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a passionate and urgent appeal to the Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo has raised alarm over the deteriorating state of the party, citing internal divisions, indiscipline, and lack of direction as critical threats to its survival. His letter, laden with concern and a call for unity, underscores the need for decisive action to restore the APC’s legacy and prepare it for future electoral challenges.
Hon. Kargbo began by lamenting the growing discord within the APC, describing the internal feuds as deeply damaging to the party’s principles and history. He pointed out that the party’s foundation of unity and inclusiveness, laid by its founding fathers, has been undermined by factionalism, notably the infamous division into “Team A” and “Team B.” According to him, these splits have eroded trust and fractured the party’s core, making it increasingly difficult to present a united front.
He further reflected on the party’s mishandling of key issues in the past, such as the dismissal of former Vice President Chief Sam Sumana, which, he noted, left a lasting scar on the APC. “This is not the APC we knew,” Hon. Kargbo emphasized, pointing to the departure from traditional values that once defined the party.
The emergence of social media as a tool for public dissent within the APC was another area of concern. He highlighted how undisciplined use of these platforms has tarnished the party’s reputation, exacerbating divisions and fuelling misinformation. Hon. Kargbo also expressed worry over the aftermath of the 2023 elections, which, instead of galvanizing the APC, has deepened internal discord.
One of the most contentious issues, according to Hon. Kargbo, is the status of Dr. Samura Kamara as the party’s 2023 flagbearer. He explained that the party’s executive seems to believe that Dr. Kamara’s tenure as flagbearer has ended, while Dr. Kamara himself remains steadfast in his position. This standoff, Hon. Kargbo noted, has created a dual leadership scenario within the APC, leaving the party in disarray.
Hon. Kargbo warned that without swift and collective action, the APC risks losing its relevance and ability to compete in future elections. “What a confusion for a party that is more than 60 years old!” he exclaimed, calling the current state of affairs a disaster that must be addressed immediately.
To salvage the party, Hon. Kargbo proposed three urgent measures:
- Convene an Emergency National Delegates’ Conference: He suggested this gathering as a platform to address critical issues such as the divisive “Team A” and “Team B” factions and to restore unity.
- Resolve the Flagbearership Question: The party must openly discuss and clarify Dr. Samura Kamara’s status as flagbearer to prevent further division.
- Amend the Party Constitution: Hon. Kargbo urged a review of the APC constitution to incorporate provisions that promote democracy, discipline, and inclusiveness within the party.
He also called on the current leadership, including the chairman and deputy chairman, to use their experience to rebuild trust and guide the APC back to its roots. Hon. Kargbo expressed hope that their efforts could restore peace and unity, which are essential for the APC to regain its footing and reclaim power in Sierra Leone.
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Kargbo issued a stark warning: if the APC fails to resolve its internal crisis and loses the 2028 elections, it could spell the end of the party’s political relevance. He urged party leaders to act with urgency and commitment, stating, “It’s time to hang heads together and bring the APC back to normalcy.”
Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo’s letter is a rallying cry for the APC to confront its challenges head-on, mend internal rifts, and refocus on its mission to serve the people of Sierra Leone.
