By Mohamed Kamara
In the wake of the constitutional mandate requiring Dr. Samura Kamara to step down from his role as leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), a wave of contrasting opinions and heated debates has engulfed the party. While some members and supporters of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party support the move, others argue vehemently against it. Could this divide signal deeper challenges for the party in the future?
Hassan Kamara, a staunch APC supporter from the Pentagon Community in Lumley, voiced strong disapproval of Dr. Kamara’s refusal to step down. “Samura is not bigger than the party,” Hassan remarked. “His decision to disregard the constitutional directive raises concerns about how he would handle issues of legality should he become president in the future.”
On the other side of the debate, Mabinty J. Toronka from Calaba Town believes that Samura’s resignation was politically motivated, fueled by what she describes as envy and ill-will. “Many people think his resignation was the wrong move, driven by malice and jealousy,” she said. “Samura commands the majority within the APC, and there are those who fear his influence.”
Further complicating matters, James Lahai of Tengeh Town predicts a potential schism within the APC if Samura does not lead the party in the upcoming elections. “If Samura doesn’t run and instead forms his own party before the 2028 elections—like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC)—many APC supporters will follow him,” Lahai explained. “This would create a significant void in the APC, as no other leader currently boasts Samura’s popularity.”
The debate surrounding Samura Kamara’s future in the APC comes at a pivotal moment, with the party’s convention on the horizon. The outcome could shape not only the future of the APC but also the broader political landscape in Sierra Leone. Whether unity or division prevails, the upcoming convention will undoubtedly be a defining moment for the party and its supporters.
