By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a resounding call for unity and revitalization, National Chairman of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hon. Minkailu Mansaray, has urged party members to put aside their differences and work collaboratively to restore the APC’s strength and purpose. Speaking at a Fundraising Dinner organized by the APC Southern Region Executive over the weekend, Mansaray highlighted the pressing need for cohesion, inclusivity, and competence to reposition the APC as a dominant force in Sierra Leone’s political arena.
Mansaray likened the party’s current challenges to a vehicle needing competent leadership to navigate rough terrain. “If the driver is reckless and incapable, we must stop them and find someone competent to steer us forward,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of resolving internal conflicts and prioritizing the party’s collective goals over personal ambitions.
The Chairman’s remarks underscored the importance of accountability and unity in leadership, while lamenting the factionalism that has weakened the APC. “We must see ourselves as one team—Team APC,” he declared, calling for members to unite under a shared vision for the party’s success in upcoming elections.
As part of the reforms proposed, Mansaray recommended a review of the party’s structure to introduce new energy and inclusiveness. This includes plans to construct a new party office in the southern region, symbolizing the APC’s commitment to strengthening its national presence. He stressed the need to foster innovation, engage youth, and ensure all members feel represented and valued.
Echoing Mansaray’s sentiments, APC National Secretary General Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya delivered a powerful plea for unity and discipline. He warned against the dangers of internal rivalries and factionalism, which he described as major obstacles to the party’s mission. “The APC is a family bound by shared values and a vision for Sierra Leone’s progress. We cannot afford to act as though we are divided or enemies,” Dumbuya asserted.
Dumbuya also cautioned against the excessive focus on individual campaigns within the Flagbearer race, warning that such distractions could derail the party’s broader objectives. “We must not lose sight of why we are here—to restore hope and provide leadership that benefits all Sierra Leoneans,” he said, stressing the need for unity in presenting a credible alternative to the current government.
Both leaders emphasized the critical importance of internal healing for the party’s long-term success. They called for an open-door policy that encourages diverse perspectives while prioritizing collaboration over competition. Mansaray and Dumbuya urged members to recommit to the APC’s core principles, ensuring its relevance, resilience, and readiness to tackle Sierra Leone’s challenges.
As the APC gears up for future elections, the calls for unity and reform mark a pivotal moment in the party’s history. Mansaray and Dumbuya’s messages were not merely critiques of past shortcomings but a strategic blueprint for the future—a vision of a stronger, more inclusive APC prepared to address the aspirations of all Sierra Leoneans.
By focusing on mending internal divisions and fostering collaboration, the APC aims to reassert its influence and lead the charge in shaping Sierra Leone’s political and social future.