By Foday Moriba Conteh
The All People’s Congress (APC) is navigating a pivotal internal moment after its Secretary-General, Lansana Dumbuya Esq., moved to clarify the party status and leadership eligibility of former Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Samuel Sidique Sam-Sumana. The intervention follows a high-profile media blitz by Dr. Sam-Sumana and confirmation from the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) that it has received a formal complaint from him regarding participation in upcoming APC leadership contests.
Lansana Dumbuya’s clarifications, delivered in an interview with Liberty Online TV on Friday September 5, 2025, sought to calm speculation around the former Vice President’s re-entry into the party. The Secretary-General emphasized that the APC is a rules-based institution and that “due process” was followed in the readmission, which, if uncontested, would make Dr. Sam-Sumana eligible to vie for leadership positions in accordance with the party’s constitution. The remarks come on the heels of a crowded Press Conference at the Radisson Blu Conference Hall on Wednesday, September 3, where Dr. Sam-Sumana reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and declared his intention to seek the party’s flagbearer position for the 2028 general elections. “I was born APC and I will die APC,” he told supporters to loud applause.
Speaking to Liberty Online TV on Friday, September 5, Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya outlined the process that facilitated Dr. Sam-Sumana’s return to the APC. He explained that the party had followed its constitutional provisions and structures, stressing that the APC remains a rules-based institution guided by fairness, transparency and due process.
According to him, no member is above the constitution and all aspirants must comply with laid-down procedures to qualify for leadership roles. His remarks were designed to quell speculations that Dr. Sam-Sumana’s return had bypassed official processes or created preferential treatment.
“The APC is governed by its constitution and structures,” Lansana Dumbuya emphasized, adding that “due process was followed in Dr. Sam-Sumana’s readmission and the same rules will apply to every member aspiring for leadership positions.”
The political drama escalated further when the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) confirmed that it had received a formal complaint from Dr. Sam-Sumana.
According to the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Olushogo A. David, the complaint was submitted in the form of a five-page letter, raising questions about the former Vice President’s eligibility to contest the APC flagbearer race. The letter also contained evidence of dues payments made by Dr. Sam-Sumana, which he claims cleared all outstanding financial obligations to the party.
Olushogo A. David explained that the complaint specifically highlighted concerns about the party’s revised constitutional framework, which Sam-Sumana argues could potentially restrict the political rights of aspirants like himself. The PPRC is now expected to review the matter under its regulatory mandate, though no immediate timeline has been announced for its decision.
In one of the most anticipated political declarations of the year, Dr. Sam-Sumana announced on September 3, 2025, that he would seek the APC’s flagbearer position ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Addressing a packed Press Conference at the Radisson Blu Conference Hall in Aberdeen, Freetown, the former Vice President sought to reaffirm his loyalty to the APC, declaring boldly: “I was born APC, and I will die APC.” His words drew applause from party faithful, who interpreted the statement as a direct rebuttal to critics who have long questioned his commitment to the party following his removal from office in 2015.
Sam-Sumana also used the occasion to call for unity and reconciliation, warning that internal divisions could weaken the APC’s chances of regaining political power. “This party is bigger than any individual,” he said. “We must put our differences aside and work together for the common good.”
Dr. Sam-Sumana served as Vice President of Sierra Leone from 2007 until March 2015, when he was controversially removed from office by then-President Ernest Bai Koroma. His dismissal was widely described as unconstitutional and sparked legal challenges both at home and abroad.
He first pursued the case in the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, before taking it to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, where he argued that his removal had violated democratic norms and undermined constitutional governance. Although the courts offered limited redress, Sam-Sumana framed his actions as part of a larger fight to protect Sierra Leone’s constitution rather than a personal battle against the APC.
Reflecting on the episode this week, he reiterated: “I did not take the APC to court; I took the Government of Sierra Leone to court to defend the Constitution.”
For many APC supporters, his readmission marks the closing of a painful chapter. For critics, however, the wounds of 2015 remain fresh, raising doubts about whether reconciliation can fully restore trust within the party.
Reactions within the APC have been mixed. Grassroots supporters, particularly those in Sam-Sumana’s political strongholds welcomed his return, viewing him as a unifying figure who could strengthen the APC’s electoral chances. His vocal loyalty pledge, “I was born APC, and I will die APC” has resonated strongly with this base.
Others within the party hierarchy have been more cautious. While acknowledging his readmission some senior members emphasize the importance of internal rules and discipline, warning that personal ambition must not override constitutional order. The Secretary-General’s intervention appears to reassure this group by underscoring that no shortcuts were taken.
Political analysts note that Sam-Sumana’s comeback has reshaped the APC’s internal dynamics, forcing other potential aspirants to recalibrate their strategies ahead of the 2028 race.
The involvement of the PPRC adds another layer of complexity. As the statutory body mandated to regulate political parties, the Commission has the power to mediate disputes and enforce compliance with Sierra Leone’s Political Parties Act.
If it proceeds with a full review, the PPRC could call for submissions from both the APC and Dr. Sam-Sumana, potentially holding hearings to determine whether proper procedures were followed. While the Commission cannot dictate who becomes a party flagbearer, its rulings could influence the legitimacy of internal processes and shape public perceptions of fairness.
Sam-Sumana’s declaration is already reverberating across Sierra Leone’s political landscape. Analysts believe his return could energize the APC base while appealing to broader sections of the electorate who see him as a defender of constitutional governance.
However, his presence also risks deepening factional rivalries if not carefully managed. With other heavyweight contenders expected to join the race, the APC must balance inclusivity with discipline to avoid the kind of internal crises that have plagued opposition parties across Africa.
The outcome of this contest will have far-reaching consequences. A transparent and credible primary could strengthen the APC’s image as a party committed to internal democracy, positioning it as a serious contender in 2028. Conversely, prolonged disputes or perceptions of unfairness could damage its prospects and fracture its support base.
The events of this week highlight the fragile balance between loyalty, legality and leadership within Sierra Leone’s opposition politics.
By reaffirming his allegiance and announcing his 2028 ambition, Dr. Sam-Sumana has positioned himself as a central figure in the APC’s future. By clarifying the readmission process, Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya has signaled the party’s commitment to rules and transparency. And by receiving the complaint, the PPRC has inserted itself into a process that could shape the credibility of one of the country’s largest political parties.
As Sierra Leone looks ahead to 2028, the APC faces a crucial test: can it reconcile its past divisions, manage internal competition and project itself as a united, disciplined and electable alternative?
For now, both the party and its former Vice President agree on one point: the APC’s constitution and Sierra Leone’s broader democratic order must remain supreme.
