Freetown, 18th November, 2025 — The All People’s Congress (APC) has formally responded to the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) over allegations of contravening Section 39(1) of the Political Parties Act No. 25 of 2022, insisting that no verified evidence has been presented to substantiate claims against its Falaba District Chairman, Hon. Lahai Marah.
In a letter signed by National Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya Esq, the APC acknowledged receipt of the Commission’s correspondence but stressed that the party was unaware of any authenticated incident involving Marah that would amount to a breach of the law.
The party emphasized that compliance with the 1991 Constitution and the Political Parties Act remains a priority, but cautioned that allegations must be backed by credible and verifiable evidence. The APC pointed to the growing circulation of doctored audio recordings, manipulated social media content, and misrepresented conversations, warning that such materials could inflame the political environment if not properly scrutinized.
The statement further expressed concern over what it described as selective enforcement, noting that similar or more alarming public remarks by members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) had not attracted the same urgency or sanctions from the PPRC. According to the APC, this pattern risks creating a perception of partiality, undermining the Commission’s statutory mandate.
“The PPRC is expected, both in law and practice, to function as a neutral referee in Sierra Leone’s multiparty democratic system. Neutrality is not optional; it is the foundation of its mandate and a prerequisite for public trust,” the letter stated.
The APC has requested that the Commission provide the party with full, unedited, and verifiable evidence — including metadata — upon which the allegation against Hon. Marah is based. It also urged that no fine, sanction, or adverse determination be imposed until such evidence is shared, authenticated, and the party is given the opportunity to respond.
The party assured that once genuine information is received, its internal disciplinary mechanisms would be activated in line with its Constitution. It reaffirmed its commitment to the Joint Agreement signed on November 11, 2025, pledging to act responsibly to preserve political stability, encourage tolerance, and avoid escalation.
The APC concluded by expressing confidence that the PPRC would handle the matter in accordance with its legal mandate and the expectations of impartial democratic oversight.
