As Sierra Leone strenuously inches closer to the much anticipated 2028 general elections, under a failed Julius Maada Bio-led Sierra Leone People’s Party-SLPP, a frustrating, disgruntled and lingering question however remains lingering in the minds and on the lips of well-meaning Sierra Leoneans and friends of the tiny West African country: Is the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) truly serious about contesting the 2028 polls?
After rejecting the results of the controversial 2023 elections and calling for electoral justice, the party has yet to see a concrete resolution to its grievances. No rerun, no substantial reforms, and no clear strategy to prevent another rigged election in 2028—if that were to happen. If the ruling SLPP manipulate the elections again in 2028, will the APC accept it and simply wait until 2033? What is the fate of the APC? A question left for the failed APC leadership, the entire expired National Executive and all APC party flag bearer hopefuls to urgently answer with clear options and strategic roadmap on the way forward for the nation’s only constructive national development political entity.
Over to you National Chairman Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, Deputy National Chairman, Ambassador Alhaji Osman Foday Yansanneh, and the rest. The people of Sierra Leone want urgent answers from you old guards. Leaders the world over are produced to solve problems, not to baby-sit.
The Unresolved Controversy of the 2023 Elections
The 2023 elections were marred by allegations of massive electoral fraud, irregularities, and manipulation favouring Bio and the SLPP. The APC rejected the results outright, citing that the electoral process was neither free, fair, nor transparent. Party leaders, supporters, and even international observers raised concerns about the lack of a credible electoral process, particularly in the tallying and transmission of results.
Following this, the APC demanded justice, calling for an independent investigation and even a rerun in key areas where fraud was suspected. However, as months turned into years, nothing significant happened. The SLPP remains in power, and the APC calls for electoral justice slowly fading away.
So what now? If the party has no power to reverse what happened in 2023, what strategy does it have to prevent a repeat in 2028?
The APC’s Unclear Strategy for 2028
With 2028 fast approaching, the APC seems to be at crossroads. Will it contest an election under the same conditions that allegedly led to fraud in 2023? Or will it push for significant electoral reforms before even thinking of fielding a candidate?
The biggest concern for APC supporters and political analysts is the party’s lack of a clear roadmap for ensuring credible elections in 2028. If the APC truly believes the 2023 elections were stolen, what concrete steps has it taken to prevent a repeat in 2028?
Electoral Reforms: Has the APC successfully pushed for major reforms in the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to guarantee fair elections in 2028?
Political Negotiations: Has the party actively engaged with international partners, civil society organizations, and democratic institutions to demand electoral fairness?
Public Mobilization: Has the APC built a strong grassroots movement to challenge electoral malpractice at all levels?
Unfortunately, none of such efforts appear to be yielding results. The ECSL remains under the control of the same set-up that allegedly rigged the 2023 elections. No serious electoral reforms have been implemented. The government continues to tighten its grip on state institutions.
What If SLPP Rigs 2028 Again?
This is the critical question that APC leaders must answer. If SLPP rigs the 2028 elections just like in 2023, will the APC simply accept defeat, protest briefly, and then start preparing for 2033?
If history is anything to go by, such a scenario cannot be dismissed. The APC rejected the 2018 elections but eventually conceded and participated in 2023, believing things would improve. However, 2023 turned out to be another controversial election; and 2028 may be no different.
If the APC has no plan to prevent election rigging, it risks being perpetually trapped in a cycle of stolen elections and unfulfilled protests.
The Risks of a Weak Opposition
A weak opposition is a gift to any ruling party; and right now, the APC is at risk of becoming irrelevant if it does not take decisive action.
Loss of Public Confidence: Supporters who believe the party is powerless to defend their votes may lose faith and either stop voting or look for alternative leaders.
SLPP Dominance: If the SLPP successfully rigs another election in 2028, they might consolidate even more power, making future elections even more difficult for the APC.
Political Infighting: Without a clear strategy, internal divisions within the APC may increase, weakening the party even further.
If the APC wants to be taken seriously in 2028, it must act now. The next election is not four years away—it starts today with strong political mobilization, legal reforms, and strategic alliances.
What Can APC Do to Secure 2028?
For the APC to seriously contest the 2028 elections, it must take immediate and bold steps: Push for Electoral Reforms – The party should aggressively advocate for reforms in the ECSL, judiciary, and in national security to ensure a level playing field.
Engage International Stakeholders – The APC must work with ECOWAS, the AU, the UN, and the international community to demand strong electoral oversight in 2028.
Strengthen Internal Unity – The party must resolve its internal conflicts and present a unified front against the SLPP. A divided APC will only make it easier for the ruling party to manipulate the system.
Empower Grassroots Structures – The APC should mobilize its base across the country, ensuring that party agents and supporters are actively involved in securing fair elections at every polling station.
Legal Preparedness – The APC must have a strong legal team ready to challenge electoral fraud immediately, rather than waiting until after results are announced.
The Fate of APC: A Party at Crossroads
If the APC fails to prepare adequately for 2028, it risks becoming a permanent opposition party—one that continuously complains about election rigging but does nothing significant to stop it.
The 2028 elections will be a defining moment for the APC. Either the party secures victory through a well-planned and strategic approach, or risks being trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled protests and unrecognized victories.
The real question is: Does the APC have the political will to fight for a credible 2028 election, or will it once again accept another manipulated result and hope for change in 2033?
The future of the party, and indeed the future of Sierra Leone’s democracy, depends on how the APC answers this question today.
