Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 12, 2026: The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has officially lifted the suspension on the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party, just one day after imposing it, following the party’s prompt payment of a NLe350,000 fine.
In a letter signed by PPRC Executive Secretary Olushogo A. David, the commission confirmed receipt of the payment and stated it was “pleased to notify” the APC that the suspension “is hereby lifted with immediate effect.”
The letter followed a review of the circumstances surrounding the initial suspension, which was announced on February 11, 2026.
The suspension stemmed from the APC’s failure to pay fines imposed under Section 39(1) of the Political Parties Act of 2022. The penalties were levied on February 2, 2026, after the commission found the party in violation due to alleged profane and inciting statements made by individuals associated with the APC during a recent “Mammoth Meeting” at the Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown. Specifically, the remarks were attributed to two party members, including Zainab Sheriff, whose statements the APC initially denied responsibility for, leading to the impasse.
The PPRC had set a deadline of February 10, 2026, for payment, and when it was not met, the commission enforced the suspension, barring the APC from all political activities, including meetings, rallies, internal elections, and administrative operations.
PPRC Chairman Emmanuel K. Amara emphasized the clarity of the law during the suspension period, stating that a party under suspension “cannot hold any party function.”
The APC, Sierra Leone’s historic opposition party founded in 1960 and a key player in the nation’s multi-party democracy, quickly settled the outstanding amount following the suspension announcement.
Sources indicate the payment was made on February 11 or early February 12, averting a prolonged disruption ahead of upcoming lower-level party elections scheduled to begin on February 14.
With the suspension now lifted, the APC can resume its activities, including preparations for internal leadership contests and broader opposition efforts against the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) led by President Julius Maada Bio. The PPRC has reiterated its commitment to upholding the Political Parties Act to ensure peaceful and compliant political engagement across all parties.
