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The All Peoples Congress (APC) Party, which is the main opposition Party in Sierra Leone, has issued a public disclaimer against Alfred Peter Conteh for regarding himself as chairperson of the party who has been sending letters dated November 18 and November 25, 2024, asserting himself as the Chairperson of the party.
In its statement, signed by the National Secretary-General, Lansana Dumbuya, the APC categorically dissociated itself from Mr Conteh’s actions, describing them as impersonation and misrepresentation.
According to the APC, Minkailu Mansaray is the party’s legitimate national chairperson and chief executive officer. He was duly elected during the National Delegates Conference held in Makeni in February 2023, with his term running until February 2026.
Background
On April 28, 2022, the court presided over by Justice Fisher handed a significant judgment in a bid to resolve key undemocratic issues that had emerged from the All People’s Congress party. Alfred Peter Conteh initiated the matter in the High Court of Sierra Leone, alleging that some actions of executive members serving at the time were undemocratic and a violation of the Party’s 1985 Constitution.
The Court’s judgment delivered by Justice A. Fisher made certain orders, including setting up an interim body to manage the party’s activities. Paragraph 90.10 of the Judgement stipulates that “the Interim Transitional Governance Committee (ITGC) shall have the responsibility for manning the affairs of the party” and further made it clear in paragraph 90.10.6 that “a simple majority shall do the decisions of the ITGC.”
In the interim body, ITGC, Alfred P. Conteh was made the Chairperson (ultimately letting him act as the chairperson of the party till a substantive body is elected at the National Delegates Conference). Alfred Peter Conteh let down the APC and the Court for not abiding by the judgement on the 28th of April, 2022. He acted ultra vires concerning paragraph 90.10 of the judgment ordered: He made and published decisions in the name of ITGC without seeking or obtaining approval of ITG as ordered by the court in paragraph 90.10.6 of the April Judgement. He also suspended all standing committees duly constituted by the ITGC and directed that all donations and correspondence should be made to him. He also appointed ward chairpersons without the knowledge and approval of the simple majority.
Against this backdrop, certain members initiated a contempt proceeding against Alfred Peter Conteh. The court, in deciding to deal with the issue of contempt, varied the orders of the 28th of April 2022. Justice Fisher, on the 23rd November 2022, ruled that the ITGC must be responsible for manning the party’s affairs and furthered that all lower-level elections should be conducted. The ruling also emphasised that the membership problem be resolved by holding a National Delegates Conference on 29th January 2023, later held on the 18&19th of February 2023.
Justification for Claiming the APC Chairmanship
In his letter dated 27 November 2024, Alfred Peter Conteh refutes the APC’s claim that he falsely presented himself as the chairperson. He asserts that his position is rooted in the High Court judgment delivered by Justice Adrian Fisher on April 28, 2022. According to Paragraph 90.10 of this judgment, he was appointed the legitimate chairperson of the Interim Transitional Governance Committee (ITGC) responsible for overseeing the APC’s affairs until the first National Delegate Conference.
Conteh argues that this legal mandate remains valid since the High Court ruling has neither been reversed nor fully executed. He views the APC’s current National Executive as “de facto” and contends its actions contravene the court’s decision. His justification is based on legal documentation, which he claims grants him authority to act on behalf of the party.
In contrast, the APC’s disclaimer labels him an impersonator, alleging he lacks the authority to represent the party. This conflict highlights unresolved internal divisions within the APC regarding leadership legitimacy.
The APC, among other things, accuses Conteh of attempting to mislead the public and tarnish the party’s image. Conteh denies these allegations, insisting his actions are efforts to ensure accountability and transparency within the APC and Sierra Leone’s democratic processes. He attributes the APC’s disclaimer to attempts by its leadership to suppress his inquiries into alleged electoral irregularities and what he calls “surreptitious arrangements” with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
Conteh portrays himself as a whistleblower fighting against anti-democratic practices, accusing the APC leadership of dishonesty and collusion. His response underscores his view that his actions are in the public interest, particularly regarding the June 24, 2023, election results.
Electoral Irregularities and Democratic Erosion
Conteh raises serious concerns about the transparency of the 2023 election results, emphasising the lack of detailed results from the ECSL. He claims that the APC leadership has reached disagreements with the ECSL, undermining democracy in the process. To support his argument, he references public statements, such as those from the U.S. Ambassador, acknowledging the absence of comprehensive election results.
His criticism extends to the APC leadership, accusing them of complicity in shielding electoral malpractice through opaque “official communication channels.” Conteh calls for the ECSL to release detailed election results to restore public trust in Sierra Leone’s democratic processes.
The APC’s disclaimer counters this narrative, asserting that electoral issues have been addressed through official channels and international partners. However, Conteh challenges this claim, arguing that such resolutions lack transparency and public accountability.
Engagement with the APC Moving Forward
Despite the APC’s formal disassociation and threats of disciplinary action, Conteh insists on acting as the party’s legitimate chairperson under the High Court ruling. He criticises the APC leadership for disregarding legal mandates and calls for the judiciary to lift the interlocutory injunction preventing the execution of the 2022 judgment.
Conteh signals his intention to maintain his position and address the party’s issues through legal and public advocacy. His defiance indicates ongoing tension and potential escalation within the APC.
Response from APC National Publicity Secretary
Sidi Yayah Tunis, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, categorically rejects Alfred Peter Conteh’s claim to the party’s chairpersonship. According to Tunis, “He is not the chairman of the APC. The chairman of the APC is Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray. He was elected National Chairman at the National Delegates’ Conference (NDC) in Makeni in February 2023. His term expires in February 2026. He [Conteh] has never been appointed chairman.”
This response underscores the APC’s firm stance that the party’s leadership structure is legitimate and recognised, with Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray serving as the legally elected chairman.
Tunis’s response reinforces the APC’s official position in the disclaimer, emphasising the legitimacy of the current executive and seeking to delegitimise Conteh’s actions as outside the bounds of the party’s constitution and rules. This statement aligns with the APC’s broader effort to maintain internal unity and dismiss challenges to its leadership.
Conclusion
The dispute between Alfred Peter Conteh and the APC highlights deep divisions within the party and raises critical questions about electoral transparency in Sierra Leone. Conteh’s reliance on the 2022 High Court judgment and his focus on unresolved election issues suggest a long-term strategy to challenge the APC leadership while maintaining his political relevance. Meanwhile, the APC’s disclaimer reflects an attempt to consolidate its internal authority and discredit Conteh’s claims.
