By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A brewing scandal has shaken the All Peoples Congress (APC) after a suspected attempt to illegally reproduce old party membership cards was uncovered at a local printing press in Freetown. The incident, discovered by a vigilant APC member, has prompted a formal investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), raising concerns about efforts to undermine the party’s internal verification process.
The incident occurred Friday, May 16, at a printing facility at Upper Brook Street, where an unidentified individual was caught with a freshly printed copy of an out-dated APC membership card. When confronted, the suspect reportedly fled the scene before he could be detained. Authorities have since invited the printing press manager for questioning, and a CID-led investigation is now underway to trace the source and purpose behind the forged cards.
According to party officials, the incident highlights deliberate attempts by certain individuals to sabotage the APC’s new membership verification system. Sources within the party suggest that those responsible may be disgruntled actors who failed to manipulate or gain unauthorized access to the new, more secure membership framework.
“This is a direct assault on the integrity of our party’s internal democratic process,” a senior APC executive said on condition of anonymity. “The days of backdoor entry and manipulation are over. Anyone trying to exploit the system will be exposed.”
Following the appointment of the current National Secretary General, the APC formally transitioned from the old membership structure to a new system designed to enhance transparency and accuracy. As part of this overhaul, the previous membership database — containing verified records of members, including names and unique AA numbers — was officially handed over. The updated system now uses newly issued APC membership ID cards, which are the only valid credentials recognized for voting and participation in party decision-making processes.
Party officials have emphasized that any individual attempting to use an out-dated or forged membership card would be denied participation in ongoing or future party activities. “The old APC membership card is null and void,” an APC spokesperson reiterated. “Anyone presenting one will be disqualified from the verification process because their details and AA numbers cannot be validated against our official database.”
The APC has been under increasing pressure to clean up its membership records and ensure fair participation in internal processes, especially as the party moves towards key decisions in preparation for upcoming national and internal elections. The shift to the new ID system was not only an internal reform but also a directive from the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) and sanctioned by the courts, giving it the force of law.
“Modernizing our database is both a legal mandate and a moral obligation to our members,” the party’s statement read. “We must guard against fraudulent practices that seek to destabilize the organization.”
As the CID delves deeper into the forgery case, political observers are watching closely to see whether further arrests or disclosures will follow.
