By Mohamed Kamara
Just days after assuming office, the new Chairman of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), Mr. Emmanuel Koivaya Amara, is facing a major challenge as two rival factions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) intensify their battle for legitimacy.
On February 21, 2025, a faction claiming to be the newly formed PDP executive announced plans to introduce policy changes, a move that has sparked nationwide protests from thousands of party supporters loyal to the existing leadership. This comes after Mr. Amara recently met with members of the PDP’s National Executive Committee, elected during the party’s August 19, 2017, convention in Calaba Town, in an attempt to resolve the long-standing internal dispute.
The PDP’s National Secretary General, Mr. Alhaji Ben Kamara, has strongly opposed the claims made by the rival group, arguing that Mr. Harold Turay, who presents himself as chairman and leader, has never officially registered as a member of the party. He further stated that Abubakarr Bangura, who now claims to be the National Secretary General, was only elected as Deputy Secretary General in the last legitimate convention. Since then, Kamara argues, no new convention has taken place as required by the party’s constitution.
Kamara accused certain PDP officials of manipulating party structures to support an “illegitimate” flagbearer during the 2023 multi-tier elections, thereby undermining the party’s credibility. He further alleged that past PPRC officials contributed to weakening smaller parties due to political and financial influence.
“We have evidence to show that the PPRC’s past actions have hindered the progress of minority parties while favoring the dominant SLPP and APC,” Kamara stated. “In a democracy, whether a party is in the majority or minority, it must be granted equal rights. We have fought this battle through the judiciary, and despite the delays, we are determined to seek justice.”
The ongoing dispute has put immense pressure on Chairman Amara, who now faces the difficult task of bringing the feuding factions to a resolution. With accusations of bias and unfair treatment looming over the PPRC, his approach to handling this crisis will be closely watched as a test of his leadership and commitment to political fairness.
