APC Is the Only Hope for Sierra Leoneans Comes 2028”–Dr. Abdulai Bayratay Declares

By Musa Paul Feika

The political atmosphere in Sierra Leone has been thrown into renewed debate following a bold statement from the country’s former Presidential Spokesman, Dr. Abdulai Bayratay, who declared that the All People’s Congress (APC) remains the “only viable hope” for Sierra Leoneans in the 2028 general elections. His remarks, delivered during a widely watched live Facebook broadcast hosted by journalist Samuel Wise Bangura on Saturday evening, have reenergized conversations about the role of the opposition in shaping the nation’s political destiny.

At exactly 7:00 pm, Dr. Bayratay took to the virtual platform to send a message that resonated far beyond party lines, emphasizing that despite the internal disputes currently bedeviling the APC, the party continues to command the trust of Sierra Leoneans who are yearning for change from what he described as the “undesirable governance” of President Julius Maada Bio and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
“Our party is what Sierra Leoneans are looking forward to take over the governance of this country in 2028,” Dr. Bayratay affirmed with confidence.

In his address, Dr. Bayratay who currently resides outside Sierra Leone acknowledged the turbulence within the APC but urged party leaders and grassroots members to prioritize reconciliation over division. He called on stakeholders to embrace unity as the only path to reclaiming state power.
One of his central appeals was for a peaceful resolution to the conflict involving the party’s executive leadership and the former Vice President, Alhaji Chief Sam Ansumanna. Bayratay recommended the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, arguing that the APC must not allow disputes to weaken its credibility in the eyes of the people.
“I believe the leadership of the party, which I have been engaging behind the scenes, is open to ADR. We must ensure that disputes do not weaken the party but instead strengthen our resolve to serve the people,” he explained.

The former presidential spokesman insisted that Sierra Leoneans are not merely looking for an opposition but for a strong, united, and credible force capable of confronting the SLPP’s governance style, which he criticized for failing to deliver on the aspirations of ordinary citizens.

Chief Alhaji Sam Ansumanna’s Role in the APC, he said no recent APC discussion is complete without reference to Chief Sam Ansumanna, the former Vice President whose relationship with the party has been marred by legal disputes and political disagreements.

Dr. Bayratay reminded the APC leadership and supporters that Chief Ansumanna has consistently maintained his loyalty to the party, even after enduring political turbulence.
“Chief Sam Ansumanna himself has said he was born APC, belongs to APC, and will die APC. All we need is to bring stakeholders onboard and have a discourse to resolve this situation in the party’s interest,” Bayratay emphasized.

He further stressed that laws and constitutions should not be applied to target individuals but should serve the collective good of both the party and the citizenry. His message underscored the importance of inclusivity, noting that Chief Ansumanna’s role whether symbolic or strategic remains crucial to the APC’s image as a broad based national party.

Adding another layer to the unfolding saga, Abdul Karim Kamara Esq., a senior member of the APC Publicity Secretariat, also weighed in. He reassured supporters that the APC remains resilient despite the petition lodged by Chief Sam Sumana before the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC).

Kamara described the petition as “malicious, vexatious, and a calculated plot to strangle the progress of the party.” Nonetheless, he expressed confidence that the PPRC would handle the matter fairly, citing the legal principle of audi alteram partem which guarantees that both sides of a dispute are given a fair hearing before a decision is rendered.

This reassurance, combined with Dr. Bayratay’s rallying call, signals that while internal disputes exist, there is still a growing determination within APC circles to present a united front in the face of external political challenges.

Beyond intra party matters, Dr. Bayratay’s intervention speaks to a wider national frustration. Majority Sierra Leoneans remain disillusioned by persistent socio economic hardships, including unemployment, rising living costs, and concerns about governance under the SLPP.

By declaring the APC as the only hope for Sierra Leoneans, Bayratay positioned the party not just as an opposition force but as a potential rescuer of the nation’s democratic and economic fortunes. His statement was not merely for APC members but a deliberate attempt to resonate with the broader public, many of whom feel neglected and voiceless under the current administration.

Observers note that by using social media as his platform of choice, Bayratay tapped into a new era of political communication in Sierra Leone one that reaches citizens directly, bypassing traditional structures. This strategy reflects the growing importance of digital platforms in mobilizing support and shaping political narratives ahead of elections.

Despite the optimism projected by Dr. Bayratay, the APC faces significant hurdles on its path to 2028. Internal divisions remain unresolved, with factions pulling in different directions. The ongoing legal challenges, particularly Chief Aumanna’s petition, risk distracting the party from preparing adequately for the national polls.

Moreover, rebuilding public trust after years out of power requires not only rhetoric but tangible policy alternatives that can address Sierra Leone’s pressing socio economic concerns. The electorate, increasingly discerning, will demand more than promises they will expect detailed plans for jobs, education, healthcare, and governance reforms.

Political analysts or commentors caution that unless the APC addresses these issues with seriousness and clarity, its claim of being the “only hope” may be dismissed as rhetoric rather than reality.

Looking toward 2028, as Sierra Leone inches toward another pivotal election cycle, Dr. Bayratay’s remarks may prove to be a turning point in how the APC positions itself. His words highlight the urgency for reconciliation, the need for inclusivity, and the importance of unity in confronting an entrenched ruling party.

The statement has also rekindled debates about the legacy of the APC, its future direction, and its ability to represent the aspirations of millions of Sierra Leoneans who feel left behind. With few years to go before the polls, the APC’s challenge will be to transform internal disputes into collective strength and to craft a message that resonates not only with its base but with the undecided electorate.

In conclusion, Dr. Abdulai Bayratay’s declaration that the APC is Sierra Leone’s “only hope” comes 2028 is more than a political slogan it is a clarion call for unity, reconciliation, and renewed focus within the opposition. His message, coupled with reassurances from senior party officials like Abdul Karim Kamara, reflects both the challenges and the resilience of the APC as it navigates internal disputes and external pressures.
Whether the APC can truly embody the hopes of Sierra Leoneans will depend on its ability to heal its divisions, engage constructively with stakeholders, and present a credible alternative to the SLPP’s governance.

For now, Dr. Bayratay’s words hang in the balance, awaiting the actions of party leaders and grassroots supporters whose decisions in the coming months may well determine Sierra Leone’s political destiny in 2028.