By Mohamed Kamara
Freetown, Sierra Leone — The political landscape is heating up as both the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) prepare for a surge in aspirants vying for the flagbearer positions in the 2028 elections. Investigations at the headquarters of both parties reveal a growing number of candidates expressing interest in leading their respective parties.
For the APC, dissatisfaction with current leadership strategies is palpable among its diaspora members. Many feel that the party’s efforts to counter the SLPP’s advances are inadequate, with internal infighting and outdated leadership causing concern. Critics argue that the party needs fresh faces and better financial management to mount a successful challenge in the 2028 elections. They suggest that older leaders should step down and take on advisory roles, while calling for greater youth involvement and a reduction in favoring less viable candidates. The departure of former Chairman Ernest Bai Koroma has left a significant financial gap, adding to the party’s challenges.
In contrast, the SLPP faces its own set of internal debates. Politicians from the Eastern Region have begun to voice concerns about the possibility of the next flagbearer being from the Southern Region, accusing the party of regional monopolization. However, there is also a faction that believes the focus should be on collective support rather than regional representation. Some party members urge that President Bio’s successor should be chosen based on their ability to support his agenda, regardless of their region. Tensions are rising between the youth and older members, with discussions about the need for effective leadership rather than age-based considerations. The party is bracing for a challenging selection process as it seeks to find a candidate who can match President Bio’s leadership qualities and face a determined opposition.
Amidst the political maneuvering, civil society activist and former independent candidate for the Central District of Freetown, Mr. Sullay Sontos Kamara, offered a different perspective. In an interview, Kamara emphasized that Sierra Leone’s issues extend beyond political aspirations. He compared the political scene to the natural world, suggesting that just as the sun and the moon shine at different times, so too will political leadership emerge when the time is right.
