By Hassan Osman Kargbo
All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer aspirant Dr. Richard Konteh has blamed the party’s leadership for the internal challenges currently confronting the main opposition party, saying the situation could have been avoided if the party’s constitution had been respected.
Speaking exclusively to AYV on the Wake Up Sierra Leone programme, Dr. Konteh said the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) should have acted earlier to ensure that members of the APC followed the party’s constitution.
“If the PPRC had told them to simply respect the party’s constitution back in February, this wouldn’t be happening. They laid the foundation for what we are facing at this moment,” he said.
Dr. Konteh said the failure to address the constitutional concerns at the time had contributed to the difficulties the APC is now experiencing.
He questioned the party’s ability to effectively challenge the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) on issues of the rule of law when some APC members are themselves accused of disregarding the party’s internal rules.
“How can we criticize the SLPP when our own party members are flouting the very laws of our party?” he asked.
His comments come at a time of continued tension within the APC, with disagreements over the party’s internal affairs and its dealings with state institutions attracting public attention.
Dr. Konteh also raised concerns over reports circulating about a possible extension of the SLPP government’s tenure by an additional two years.
“We are hearing rumors that the SLPP government is planning to extend its tenure in office by two additional years,” he said.
However, the claim was presented as a rumour and no evidence or official announcement was provided during the interview to substantiate the allegation.
The APC has faced a series of internal disagreements in recent months as party members continue to debate leadership, constitutional matters and the direction of the party ahead of future political activities.
Dr. Konteh’s remarks reflect growing calls within the opposition for greater adherence to internal rules and stronger institutional processes in resolving party disputes.
He maintained that political parties must uphold their own constitutions if they are to credibly demand respect for the rule of law from the government.
The flagbearer aspirant’s comments are expected to add to the ongoing debate within the APC over how the party should address its internal challenges and strengthen unity ahead of the next electoral cycle.
As the disagreements continue, attention remains focused on the APC leadership, the PPRC and other relevant institutions to determine how the party’s constitutional and political disputes will be resolved.
