Is Sierra Leone’s Opposition APC Ready for Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr as Its 2028 Presidential Candidate?
As the All People’s Congress (APC) prepares for the 2028 elections in Sierra Leone, several contenders are emerging for the party’s presidential nomination. The APC is scheduled to hold its national convention in June 2026, where it will select its flagbearer for the upcoming presidential race. One candidate who has garnered significant attention is Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, who has declared her intention to run for the APC’s top spot.
Recent Developments and Speculations
The recent resignation of Osman Abdul Timbo MP as the Deputy National Secretary General of the APC has sparked speculation about his potential candidacy. Despite having relatively limited political experience compared to other aspirants, Timbo’s move has ignited interest among party members. However, it is Aki-Sawyerr who is increasingly being seen as a strong contender to lead the APC in 2028.
Challenges Facing the APC
The APC has faced two consecutive election losses in 2018 and 2023, with the latter still disputed. This has compelled the party to reassess its strategy and leadership. Traditionally, the APC has chosen its presidential candidates from seasoned male politicians with strong regional influence. Yet, after two electoral defeats, the party is at a crossroads, facing the need for a fresh approach to avoid another term in opposition.
Currently, the APC lacks a strong national voice to effectively challenge the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The handling of the 2023 election dispute has also raised questions about the party’s focus on electoral justice versus personal interests.
Opportunities for Change
Sierra Leoneans are increasingly frustrated with the current state of governance, seeking change due to broken promises, poor leadership, and economic hardship. This presents the APC with an opportunity to select a candidate who can galvanize voters and bolster its electoral chances.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr: A Game-Changer?
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the Mayor of Freetown, is widely regarded as one of Sierra Leone’s most effective leaders. She has built her political brand on integrity, accountability, and innovation, qualities often lacking in the country’s political landscape. Aki-Sawyerr’s tenure as mayor has been marked by tangible results and a distinct governance model distinct from the SLPP’s.
Notably, she has won the highly competitive Freetown mayoral race twice, defeating strong SLPP contenders in both 2018 and 2023. Her ability to mobilize and protect votes highlights her political strength, setting her apart from many of her potential rivals who have not won significant elections or have incurred multiple losses.
Deciding the Future of the APC
As the APC approaches its nomination phase, it must grapple with critical questions: Does the party genuinely want to win in 2028? Does it believe Aki-Sawyerr offers the best chance of winning and safeguarding its votes? And is the party prepared to adopt the governance approach she represents, focusing on integrity, accountability, and innovation? If affirmative, selecting Aki-Sawyerr could be a pivotal decision that charts a new path for the APC.
Aki-Sawyerr’s candidacy presents an opportunity for the APC to move beyond its traditional base and appeal to a broader demographic, particularly among women and young voters. In a political landscape where the APC must either innovate or risk another term in opposition, Aki-Sawyerr’s leadership profile offers a promising alternative for the party’s future.
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