The 2028 elections will not be won with slogans, but with structure. The APC must step boldly into its role as a government-in-waiting, and it all starts with electing the right people to lead the charge.
The SLPP’s New Leadership: A Familiar Mistake in New Packaging
The SLPP’s recent National Delegates Conference made one thing abundantly clear: the party is doubling down on propaganda. The election of Umaru Paran Tarawallie as Secretary General and Moses Mambu as National Publicity Secretary confirms the SLPP’s continued preference for rabble-rousers over responsible leadership.
These choices are not rooted in vision, discipline, or nation-first politics. Instead, they reflect a dangerous comfort with misinformation, provocation, and partisan agitation.
The SLPP may see their new leaders as effective mouthpieces, but in truth, they are weak links, and this presents the APC with a strategic opportunity.
Back to 2007: The SLPP’s Pattern of Political Self-Sabotage
This isn’t new behaviour. In 2007, the SLPP placed its hopes in Jacob Jusu Saffa and Victor Reider – figures whose aggressive political style alienated more than it inspired. Reider, under pressure, fled to Liberia after the announcement of Ernest Bai Koroma (EBK) as President, an act that exposed the hollowness behind all the political bluster.
On the other side stood the APC: measured, focused, and mature. With Hon. Victor Foh as Secretary General and Hon. Alpha Kanu as National Publicity Secretary, the APC projected strength, unity, and competence. It was that political maturity, not slogans that helped deliver victory in 2007.
APC’s Defining Moment: 2028 Begins Now
The road to 2028 starts now, and the first step is getting the right people at the helm. The APC must elect leaders not based on loyalty or cronyism, but on merit, discipline, and strategic competence.
The offices of National Secretary General and National Publicity Secretary are too important to be reduced to political thank-you tokens.
A vibrant Secretary General and Publicity Secretary have the power to send a strong, national message: that the APC is not prepared to tolerate or repeat the nonsense that took place in the 2023 elections.
This vibrancy, rooted in discipline and experience, can reignite the base, muster new energy across regions, and prepare the party to counter any SLPP manipulation or misuse of incumbency.
Let’s not forget, the APC has overwhelming dominance in Freetown, the seat of power. The SLPP will do everything possible to suppress that dominance through control of institutions and tactical confusion. The APC must match that with strong communicators, mobilizers, and defenders of democratic values.
Why We Must Elect for Competence, Not Cronyism
It is time to end the politics of rewarding friends. Electing individuals based on familiarity, tribal loyalty, or personal allegiance will only weaken the party’s ability to fight and win. The APC must prioritize individuals with:
- Public oratory skills that inspire confidence across demographics
- Proven discipline and strategic thinking under political pressure
- Vast knowledge in key disciplines: law, media, governance, economics, and organizing
- Credibility in the public eye and maturity in political conduct
These are not optional traits. They are non-negotiables for any party serious about reclaiming national leadership.
Call to Action: Don’t Just Oppose, Lead
The APC must project itself not as a bitter opposition, but as a credible and prepared government-in-waiting.
That projection begins with the individuals it elects to lead and speak for the party.
Let us choose men and women who are not only loud, but loud with purpose.
Not only visible, but visible with direction.
Not only loyal, but loyal to the ideals of leadership and democracy.
2028 is not far away. The nation is watching. Let the APC lead by example with strategy, integrity, and boldness.
