By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Political tensions in Sierra Leone have intensified in recent weeks, with the main opposition All Peoples Congress finding itself under growing pressure from both external regulatory challenges and unresolved internal issues. The situation has placed the party at a critical crossroads as it struggles to stabilize ahead of its planned National Delegates Conference.
At the center of the current standoff is the APC’s ongoing back and forth with the Political Parties Regulation Commission. The relationship between the party and the commission has been strained by disputes over compliance, internal governance and the interpretation of political party regulations. While the PPRC insists it is enforcing the law, many within the APC view the actions as excessive and politically motivated, arguing that they have further weakened an already fragile opposition.
The pressure has been compounded by the remand of the party’s National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya. His detention has sent shockwaves through the party’s rank and file, triggering public debate and internal anxiety about leadership continuity and strategic direction. For supporters, the timing of the remand could not have been worse, coming at a moment when the APC requires cohesion, clarity and firm leadership.
Beyond the legal and political arguments, the impact on the party’s internal organization is becoming increasingly evident. The APC is expected to hold its National Delegates Conference later this year, a crucial event that will shape its leadership structure and electoral readiness. However, with months passing and little visible progress, concerns are growing over the party’s preparedness.
Sources within the party admit that planning for the NDC has stalled. Disagreements over procedures, leadership roles and compliance requirements have slowed momentum. The absence of the Secretary General, who traditionally plays a central coordinating role, has further complicated matters. As a result, key decisions remain pending, leaving grassroots supporters uncertain and frustrated.
The situation has also exposed deeper fault lines within the APC. Long standing divisions between reform minded members and traditional power blocs are resurfacing, fueled by the external pressure from regulators and the courts. Some members argue that the party must urgently modernize its structures and improve internal discipline to avoid repeated confrontations with oversight bodies. Others believe the APC is being unfairly targeted and should focus on resisting what they see as attempts to weaken the opposition.
For ordinary supporters, the concern is more practical. Many fear that prolonged internal paralysis could erode the party’s relevance at a time when citizens are looking for a credible alternative voice. The inability to organize the NDC on time risks sending a message of disarray and indecision, undermining public confidence.
In the broader national context, the APC’s challenges raise important questions about political tolerance and democratic balance in Sierra Leone. A strong opposition is widely seen as essential to accountability and good governance. When opposition parties are weakened by internal strife and regulatory disputes, the entire democratic system feels the strain.
As the year unfolds, the APC faces difficult choices. Whether through dialogue, legal resolution or internal reform, the party must find a way to overcome the current impasse. Its ability to do so will not only determine the success of its National Delegates Conference but also shape its future role in Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
