With Joseph A. Kamanda
The call from reformers and democrats within the All People’s Congress (APC) for strict adherence to the party’s 2022 Constitution is a legitimate and pressing concern, particularly given that six months have passed since the contentious June 24, 2023, presidential election. The recent letter from National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya to former presidential candidate Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, instructing him to hand over the keys to his former office at the national secretariat, is a necessary step, though belated.
Critical APC members are questioning why this action took so long. They are asking if the APC’s leadership is prepared to uphold the party’s values or if certain leaders are acting as mere figureheads, reluctant to address internal challenges. If the APC is indeed committed to transformative change, its leaders must decisively act on the Constitution’s mandates.
The APC’s recent stance reinforces the supremacy of its 2022 Constitution, a clear reminder that no member is above the party. When the party makes decisions within the framework of its Constitution and in accordance with national laws, these decisions are irreversible. This steadfast commitment signals that the APC is ready to chart a path forward based on constitutional principles rather than personal ambitions. The party’s supporters are eagerly anticipating the upcoming National Delegates’ Conference, where they hope these changes will come to fruition.
Reformers and democrats within the APC maintain that the party must prioritize internal democracy and genuine leadership transitions following the recent election. They believe that the time has come to end the era of recycling failed leaders. For these reformers, Dr. Samura Kamara and his team, who have led the party in two unsuccessful election cycles, should step aside to allow new leaders with fresh ideas to take the reins. This would provide delegates with a meaningful choice in electing leaders who can address both party and national challenges effectively.
While acknowledging the APC national secretariat’s recent actions as a positive step, some believe that this should have happened sooner. Dr. Samura Kamara’s leadership and his team’s two terms, from 2018 to 2023, are seen by many as having been unproductive, and they should exit gracefully to make way for new leadership. The party’s Constitution clearly states in Article 47(a) and (b) that if the party’s presidential candidate fails to win, they must relinquish their leadership role within six months of the election’s final declaration, regardless of any legal challenges. Therefore, Dr. Kamara and his executive team should adhere to these guidelines and allow others to step forward.
Dr. Samura Kamara himself has previously expressed respect for the APC’s Constitution, stating that he intends to abide by its mandates. This commitment must now be followed with action to show his respect for the rule of law within the party. The popular sentiment among APC supporters is a call for new leadership that will bring renewed focus and energy as the party prepares for the next election cycle.
The demand for reform reflects a growing desire within the APC for transparent and fair leadership processes. Supporters want an open democratic contest at the next National Delegates’ Conference, where a fresh national executive can be elected. They seek leaders who are courageous and ready to lead from the front, not those burdened by past failures or unwilling to confront challenges. The APC needs a leader with the vision and tenacity to take on the next election and deliver on the party’s promises, not one imposed by backroom deals or outdated loyalties.
There is widespread frustration within the APC over the repeated losses under Dr. Kamara’s leadership. The reformers believe that recycling past candidates is not only undemocratic but detrimental to the party’s future. They call for a break from past practices and a commitment to the values of fairness, equity, and justice within the party, allowing all qualified contenders a chance to lead.
The APC must conduct its internal affairs in accordance with the party’s Constitution, upholding the democratic principles that guide it and demonstrating that it is a party for “all people.” The National Reformation Movement (NRM) has rightly called for strict adherence to the APC’s 2022 Constitution, ensuring that Dr. Kamara and his team do not entrench themselves in leadership positions to the detriment of the party.
Recycling Dr. Samura Kamara as the APC’s presidential candidate for 2028 would be both undemocratic and unwise. He has run twice without success, and the APC has no shortage of capable leaders who deserve the opportunity to bring new energy and ideas to the party. The APC’s commitment to constitutional principles should be unwavering, and by honouring these values, the party can foster a democratic environment that prioritizes progress over personal ambition.
