By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Chairman of the Western Area Rural District Council (WARD-C), Kasho Holland Cole, has delivered a stern warning to Alfred Peter Conteh, cautioning him against holding meetings or attempting to act in any capacity as chairperson on behalf of the All People’s Congress (APC).
Speaking on Liberty Online TV, Cole did not mince his words as he strongly rebuked Conteh’s activities, warning that any further attempts to present himself in leadership roles within the party would not be tolerated. He went further to threaten that he would “embarrass” Conteh if such actions continue.
Cole’s remarks add to the ongoing tensions within the APC, as the party struggles with internal disagreements and leadership disputes in the lead-up to its forthcoming lower-level and national conventions.
“Alfred Conteh should refrain from parading himself as chairman or holding meetings on behalf of the APC. If he attempts it again, I will personally ensure that he is embarrassed,” Cole asserted during the broadcast.
The statement has sparked debate within political circles, as it underscores the fragile unity within Sierra Leone’s main opposition party. Conteh, who was once recognized by a court ruling as interim chairman of the APC during a period of leadership crisis, has continued to attract both support and criticism from different party factions.
Cole’s hardline position appears to reflect the growing frustration of some APC members who view Conteh’s activities as undermining the party’s efforts to consolidate ahead of the 2028 elections. The APC, which lost to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the 2018 and 2023 elections, has been under pressure to rebuild its structures and present a united front if it hopes to regain power.
Political analysts note that the warning issued by Cole highlights the deeper divisions within the APC that have yet to be fully resolved. The party has experienced prolonged internal wrangling over leadership legitimacy, flagbearer selection, and the role of court judgments in determining party authority.
Cole, who is seen as a strong grassroots mobilizer, insisted that only the constitutionally recognized leadership of the APC should be allowed to speak or act on behalf of the party. He warned against what he described as attempts by individuals to sow confusion and weaken the party’s structures at a critical time.
Supporters of Cole have praised his firmness, saying it demonstrates his commitment to protecting the party from what they perceive as distractions. However, critics argue that threats of “embarrassment” risk further escalating tensions and undermining reconciliation efforts within the APC.
Conteh himself has yet to publicly respond to the warning, but observers believe the confrontation could trigger renewed debates about his role and influence within the opposition. Some party elders have previously called for restraint and dialogue to address the lingering divisions.
As the APC prepares for its upcoming internal elections, the clash between Kasho Holland Cole and Alfred Peter Conteh serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s main opposition party. Whether the party can overcome these internal disputes and unite ahead of 2028 remains a critical question in the country’s political landscape.
