Urging For Removal Of Discriminatory Clauses… Samsumana DemandS Fair Flagbearer Contest In APC
By Abdul Rahman Bah
At a highly charged press conference held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown, Alhaji Chief Samuel Samsumana, a prominent figure in the All People’s Congress (APC) and a former Vice President of Sierra Leone, delivered a passionate and soul-searching address that blended personal reflection, political history, and a renewed call for national unity.
Speaking before political leaders, civil society representatives, religious leaders, and members of the media, Samsumana recounted his personal journey in Sierra Leone’s political landscape, describing it as a “journey of life” and a defining moment not just for himself, but for the nation. He reminded his audience that Sierra Leone’s destiny lies in embracing true democracy, guided by the rule of law and the supremacy of the 1991 Constitution. He warned against any attempts by individuals or parties to impose constitutions or clauses that override the supreme law of the land, stressing that doing so is hypocritical and dangerous for the state.
Samsumana emphasized his deep roots in the APC, proudly identifying as a second-generation member, whose father was part of the progressive movement that merged into the APC decades ago. He stated that his loyalty to the party was unshaken, despite the political and personal tribulations he endured, including his controversial removal from office as Vice President. “I did nothing wrong,” he declared, stressing that his actions were driven by a desire to save lives and protect Sierra Leone’s peace, rather than plunge the nation back into conflict.
He called on APC members to end internal rifts and discriminatory practices that disenfranchise party loyalists, including clauses inserted into the party constitution, which, he argued, were “ultra vires” to the national constitution. Samsumana challenged the APC to become a truly national party representing all Sierra Leoneans irrespective of tribe, region, or ethnicity. “This is not the time for division,” he said, “this is the time to bring every Sierra Leonean on board, every vote counts if we are to win elections.”
Reflecting on past political strategies, he urged the APC to return to the winning formula that secured victories in 2007 and 2012, stressing the importance of grassroots mobilization and inclusivity. He furthered that those who tried to create enmity between him and party the leadership had failed, and he reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation. He promised to act as an “ambassador of peace” to bring back other disaffected members to the APC fold.
In an emotional tone, Samsumana reminded the audience of the sacrifices made by APC members and ordinary Sierra Leoneans who lost their lives for democracy, calling for unity, forgiveness, and the rejection of revenge. “Life does not require you to revenge,” he said, “but to forgive and work together for the good of the country.”
He condemned the party’s failure to address his disqualification ahead of the 2023 elections, noting that he had exhausted all internal party dispute mechanisms and would pursue justice through the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) and the courts, if necessary. He urged the party to remove the discriminatory clauses that barred him from contesting and to open its doors to all Sierra Leoneans.
Samsumana concluded with a resounding call for national rebirth, urging APC supporters and Sierra Leoneans to rise above division and work together to redeem the country. He envisioned a Sierra Leone where peace, unity, and development would thrive under an inclusive APC government. “I am not only working for the resurrection of the APC,” he said, “but for the redemption of Sierra Leone.”
