Politics

As Party Executive’s Tenure Expires…

Drone Newspaper2 months ago2 months ago3727 mins

Former APC Ministers Call For An Interim Administration

APC FORMER MINISTER ASSOCIATION

MOTTO: SOLIDARITY AND UNITY

C/o APC Party Headquarters, Freetown, +23276738517,

+232764723272, +19082943413

The Former APC Ministers Association (FORMINA) has expressed serious concern over the expiration of the prescribed term of office of the National Executive of the All People’s Congress (APC), warning that the continued delay in establishing a transitional arrangement could undermine the party’s constitutional order and democratic integrity.

In a statement issued in Freetown on August 27, 2026, FORMINA maintained that the APC Constitution and the rule of law must remain paramount in resolving the current situation. The association argued that once the mandate of a party executive has expired, it should not be prolonged through administrative convenience, inaction or other arrangements that are not clearly supported by the party’s constitution and relevant legislation.

FORMINA is therefore calling for the immediate establishment of what it described as a lawful, neutral and time-bound interim administration. According to the association, the principal responsibility of such an administration should be to conclude all outstanding party processes and facilitate the convening of a National Delegates’ Conference.

The conference, FORMINA said, should be held for the purpose of electing a new National Executive and ensuring the smooth assumption of office by the elected leadership. The association stressed that the proposed arrangement must be temporary, impartial and focused solely on completing the transition in accordance with the law.

In making its case, FORMINA referred to Section 39(5) of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) Act of 2022. The provision, according to the association, stipulates that a political party shall not extend the tenure of any of its executives for more than six months. FORMINA said this legal requirement should guide the party’s response to the expiration of the APC National Executive’s mandate.

The association has also called on the APC’s Legal Advisers to urgently issue a considered legal opinion on the constitutional status of the outgoing leadership. Such an opinion, it said, should clarify the legal position of the executive and recommend the appropriate mechanism for establishing an interim administration and completing the transition.

FORMINA further urged the outgoing leadership to refrain from exercising authority in a manner it believes may conflict with Articles 5 and 52(a) and (b) of the APC Constitution. The association said those provisions underscore the supremacy of the party constitution and provide for a three-year mandate for the executive.

The former ministers warned that the failure to resolve the issue could deepen divisions within the party and weaken its cohesion and readiness. They noted that some APC members had already threatened to pursue legal action to protect the party constitution and its democratic principles.

However, FORMINA said it would prefer the matter to be settled internally, responsibly and without unnecessary litigation. The association appealed to all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and act promptly in the overriding interest of the APC.

As part of its call for an internal resolution, FORMINA urged Comrade Alie Suma, the APC District Chairman of Port Loko, to withdraw his legal action against the APC and the PPRC. The association said litigation could further complicate the situation and create additional challenges for the party at a time when unity and responsible leadership were needed.

FORMINA emphasised that the APC must be guided by its constitution rather than individual interests or political convenience. It called on party leaders, officials, members and other stakeholders to place the long-term stability and credibility of the party above personal or factional considerations.

“The Party must remain above individuals, and constitutionalism must prevail over political convenience,” the association stated.

The statement was issued by the Former APC Ministers Association in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on August 27, 2026. The association’s position adds to growing calls within the party for a clear and lawful process to address the leadership transition and prepare the APC for the election of a new National Executive.