By Sampha Sesay, The Texas Chief
The recent Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC) elections sensitisation meeting for the APC Diaspora 6th Region helped to clarify several doubts circulating within the APC–USA District. However, a number of critical concerns remain unresolved, raising the strong possibility of election-related petitions.
I make this assertion based on my observations after joining the virtual meeting held on January 8, 2026, organised to sensitise members of the All People’s Congress (APC) Diaspora 6th Region ahead of upcoming elections.
The IEMC delegation, led by Legal Counsel Mr Hassan Kamara alongside three other officials, participated virtually from Freetown. They deserve commendation for their professionalism and for sacrificing their sleep to engage APC–USA members. Many participants praised the delegation for responding to questions calmly, respectfully, and with notable patience.
Despite these commendable efforts, three major concerns stood out during the meeting.
First, Dr Nanah Fofanah Sesay raised serious concerns regarding alleged corruption and the suspicious attempt by a group of individuals to illegally establish new chapters in Virginia and Maryland, despite the long-standing existence of the Washington Metropolitan Chapter (WMC).
In response, the IEMC clarified and firmly affirmed that no new chapter has been recognised and that such groups will not be allowed to participate in the forthcoming APC–USA elections.
Secondly, New York Chapter President Mr Barmie Parks expressed concern that some individuals allegedly inserted during the registration and verification process might still appear on the final voters’ list, which is expected to be verified and finalised by the APC Secretariat in Freetown. This concern resonated strongly with many members.
Similarly, Atlanta Chapter President Madam Zainab Pearce emphasised the urgent need for the publication of the voters’ register well ahead of election day, so chapters can verify that their legitimate members are accurately registered. The lingering question, however, is whether this can realistically be achieved, given the strict 21-day election petition and procedural timelines.
Based on explanations from the IEMC team, many participants believe that petitions are likely, particularly concerning the voters’ registration list. The IEMC confirmed that only the Secretariat in Freetown has the authority to finalise and verify the voters’ register, an assertion that has unsettled many chapter leaders.
This concern was echoed by President Abu Koroma (popularly known as Abu Ball-Yaye), who questioned the logic of accepting a finalised list solely from the Secretariat without incorporating chapter presidents’ verification. Several members fear that names of individuals not recognised by their respective chapters may appear on the final list, allegedly due to irregularities during last year’s registration process.
Another troubling issue raised was the independence of the IEMC from other APC governance structures. While the IEMC reaffirmed that it is the sole constitutional body responsible for conducting elections, members questioned why the APC Secretariat in Freetown retains the power to determine election locations, particularly for the APC–USA District, a geographically distinct region that had already voted on an appropriate venue.
How can election locations for the APC–USA District be dictated from Freetown, members asked, when local chapters better understand logistical realities on the ground?
In conclusion, while the IEMC elections sensitisation for the APC Diaspora 6th Region was timely and largely welcomed, significant doubts remain in the hearts and minds of many APC–USA members. Unless these unresolved concerns, particularly those surrounding voter registration transparency, chapter verification, and institutional independence, are addressed promptly, the party risks entering the elections under a cloud of distrust and potential legal challenges.
What happens next will determine not only the credibility of the elections but also the unity and integrity of the APC in the Diaspora.
