APC Acting Chairman Challenges SLPP to Present a “Defeatable” Candidate for 2028
The Acting Chairman of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh, delivered a bold message to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) during their 14th National Delegate Conference at the Bintumani Conference Centre.
Speaking on July 30, 2025, Ambassador Yansaneh urged the SLPP to nominate a candidate that the APC can defeat in the 2028 general elections.
“I hope and pray that you have a successful convention and provide us with a candidate we can defeat in 2028,” he said, drawing both laughter and reflection from delegates in attendance.
The SLPP’s two-day conference, held from July 30–31, aims to elect a new national executive that will lead the party into the 2028 election cycle. The event is a pivotal moment for the SLPP as it begins to shape its leadership strategy for the future.
“Your Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Your Excellency Madam First Lady, members of the SLPP Executive, Your Excellency former Vice President under the APC, Victor Bockarie Foh:
I stand here on behalf of the APC, a party that has governed this country for a long time. We are committed to consolidating the democratic gains we have achieved together over the years.
As a people, we assure you that the quality of representation you select today to lead your party—along with the leadership we choose—will strengthen the democratic foundation of our country.
Internal democracy is crucial because we must be represented by individuals who are the true choice of their party members.
I hope and pray that you have a successful convention and provide us with a candidate we can defeat in 2028.
On behalf of our chairman, Hon. Minkailu Mansaray, who is unable to attend, I convey fraternal greetings from our leadership and the rank and file of the party. We are committed to jointly strengthening and deepening our cooperation.
My presence here today sends a message that we will determine the future of this country together. We should all be our brothers’ keepers. I wish you a very successful conference.”
Ambassador Yansaneh’s remarks, though diplomatically framed, carried a pointed political undertone. His challenge to the SLPP reflects the APC’s growing confidence and sets the tone for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2028 election.
Observers note that his presence at the SLPP conference also reinforces a spirit of inter-party engagement and mutual respect, despite the looming political rivalry.
