Freetown, 20 May 2025 — The All Peoples Congress (APC) has launched an internal investigation and is working with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following the discovery of illegally printed old membership cards at a printing press on Upper Brook Street in Freetown.
According to a press statement issued on Monday, the incident occurred on Friday, 16 May, when a party member caught an individual with a freshly printed copy of the APC’s outdated membership card. The suspect reportedly fled the scene before they could be apprehended.
“The manager of the printing press has been invited by the authorities for questioning,” confirmed APC National Secretary General Lamana Dumbuya. “A formal investigation is now underway, and the APC is cooperating fully with the CID.”
The party believes the forgery attempt is part of a broader scheme by individuals attempting to circumvent the APC’s new membership verification system.
“Some persons, having failed to manipulate the new system, are now trying to recreate the old cards to sow confusion,” Dumbuya said. “Let it be known that the old APC membership card is no longer valid for voting or decision-making within the party.”
He emphasized that the newly introduced APC membership ID card is the only valid document for party affairs, adding that the transition was mandated by both the courts and the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC).
The APC maintains that it possesses a complete and verified membership database, including member names, AA numbers, and corresponding details. Dumbuya stressed that anyone attempting to produce or use an old membership card that does not match the official records will be disqualified from the verification process.
Meanwhile, the party has raised concerns over efforts to mislead the public and shift blame onto senior members and aspirants involved in exposing the incident.
“We are aware of attempts to accuse members of the executive and others who played a role in uncovering this forgery,” Dumbuya said. “These accusations are false, and we urge the public not to be misled.”
He clarified that the party is not making any accusations at this time and will wait for the outcome of the ongoing CID investigation.
“The APC is committed to due process. Once the investigation concludes, we will take appropriate action and update the public.”
To further address the situation, the APC has scheduled a press conference for Thursday, 22 May 2025. Party members, stakeholders, and the public are encouraged to attend.
“Our commitment to transparency, accountability, and unity remains strong,” Dumbuya concluded. “The verification process continues, and all legitimate members will have the opportunity to obtain their new ID cards.”
