By Ishmael Bobson in Freetown-Western Rural
It feels like history repeating itself, like Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus in 60 BC. Once again, in our era, three powerful figures within the All-People’s Congress (APC) party have unofficially formed a modern-day triumvirate. With “Julius Caesar” away from the territory, Pompey and Crassus remain on the ground, orchestrating what increasingly appears to be a trend toward dictatorship.
I have come to realize that our political party, the APC, is far from becoming a well-institutionalized force for the people and by the people. Instead, it remains disorganized and deeply divided.
These internal fractures have only widened since the 2023 general elections. One of the major contributing factors to this instability is the tripartite committee established to investigate the alleged electoral fraud of that year. Yet, its findings seem to be ignored.
The APC in the diaspora, particularly APC-USA and the Sixth Region, faces serious challenges. These bodies continuously set up programs and summits aimed at strengthening the party and returning it to governance. Yet, their efforts are barely acknowledged by the central party leadership in Freetown.
In 2023, APC-USA held a summit in the state of Virginia in the United States to map out strategies to unify the party and work for the common good. A communiqué was sent to the party secretariat, but it was swept under the rug. Likewise, the Sixth Region convened in The Gambia, assembling key stakeholders to promote cohesion. Now, APC-USA plans another summit on May 31st this year, all with the goal of harmonizing the party’s efforts. But one must ask: Does the APC secretariat in Freetown truly value the contributions of the diaspora branches?
What is really wrong with the APC?, Why does it alienate popular and dedicated members instead of building unity?
Many in the diaspora believe the party’s instability stems from the influence of a small group of ‘old folks’ who sit atop a corrupt chamber of power, dictating leadership choices based on loyalty and personal gain rather than democratic principles.
The so-called triumvirate movement emerged in 2023, after it became apparent that a certain figure had risen in popularity beyond their expectations. Threatened by his influence, they sought to destroy his momentum, preferring even the opposition to rise instead.
Now, as plans for 2028 are set in motion, the triumvirate is said to have already selected a candidate from within their inner circle, one who will submit to their whims. Meanwhile, the pressing issue of electoral justice, which should be treated as a national emergency, has been left in the hands of a few righteous individuals fighting alone.
Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara’s betrayal in the 2018 primaries serves as a warning. If electoral justice fails again, then any candidate who emerges will face the same fate: set up to fall into another trap orchestrated by the old guard .
On social media, some bloggers have gone so far as to label the triumvirate “a triumvirate of evil,” always seeking their own interests. Their media allies amplify their voices, often attacking the electoral justice champion with accusations, such as meeting secretly with President Bio.
But in reality, Dr. Samura Kamara’s meeting with President Bio was a peace-driven dialogue meant to promote national cohesion, something Sierra Leone desperately needs when we reflect on our history, especially the eleven-year civil war..
That very dialogue birthed the Tripartite Committee, composed of the APC, the SLPP, and international partners. The committee delivered 84 recommendations, yet the APC leadership chose to ignore these, instead launching a new initiative: Move Forward , essentially conceding that President Bio and the SLPP should continue until 2028.
Until this triumvirate of old folks is dismantled, the State House will remain a permanent residence for the Sierra Leone People’s Party.
I rest my case.
