Freetown, Sierra Leone — Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, the All People’s Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the disputed 2023 general elections, has publicly addressed his prolonged period of relative quiet, stating that he placed the interests of Sierra Leone above personal or partisan considerations.
In recent remarks, Dr. Kamara declared: “I am not in a 2028 agenda while 2023 remains unresolved. The will of the people must prevail.”
He described having been “silenced for a time,” emphasizing his focus on national priorities and divine guidance.
Context of the 2023 Election Dispute
Dr. Kamara, a veteran economist and politician who also ran in 2018, faced incumbent President Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the June 24, 2023, presidential election. Official results declared Bio the winner with approximately 56.17% of the vote to Kamara’s 41.16%. The APC rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities, lack of transparency in the tallying process, and restrictions on party agents.
The party opted against a formal court challenge, instead pursuing political and diplomatic avenues, including tripartite engagements involving international observers. Tensions over the results have lingered, with ongoing calls from some APC supporters for full electoral justice and the publication of detailed results.
Kamara’s Position on Future Polls
In statements from late 2024 and more recent comments, Dr. Kamara has stressed that addressing the “electoral flaws of 2023” is a prerequisite for credible future elections. He has explicitly distanced himself from immediate 2028 presidential ambitions, noting that he has not yet decided on contesting the APC flagbearer position ahead of any potential 2026 convention. His emphasis remains on national development, reconciliation, and restoring confidence in democratic processes.
The APC has undergone internal shifts since 2023, including changes in leadership roles, with Dr. Kamara no longer serving in certain formal capacities within ongoing dialogues. He continues to be viewed by many party members as a key figure, though the party is preparing for broader leadership contests ahead of 2028.
Political observers note that Sierra Leone’s next general elections are scheduled for 2028, with President Bio serving his final term. Discussions within the APC and across the political spectrum continue to focus on electoral reforms to prevent recurrence of past controversies.
Dr. Kamara’s latest intervention underscores a cautious approach: prioritizing resolution of past grievances before advancing personal or party presidential agendas.
