The All People’s Congress (APC) is disputing a NLe120,000 fine imposed by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC). The fine was levied against the party for what they described as “incendiary and inciting” remarks by its Falaba district chairman, Hon. Lahai Marah, which the PPRC said violated the Political Parties Act of 2022.
The APC, on the other hand, argues that the decision was taken without proper evidence and the opportunity to be heard, calling it a demonstration bias and unfair treatment.
In a letter addressed to the PPRC on Tuesday, the APC said it had not received any verified proof that Hon. Lahai Marah committed an offence under the Political Parties Act of 2022, stating that no allegation should be accepted unless the facts are proven and the materials are authenticated.
The party said there has been an increase in fake audio recordings, edited conversations, and manipulated social media posts all used to create confusion and tension. Because of this, the party said the PPRC must be extremely careful before taking regulatory action.
The APC also accused the PPRC of applying double standards. According to the letter, senior members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) have made far more alarming public statements that threaten national security and social cohesion, but the PPRC did not act with the same urgency or levy such sanctions.
The party said this creates “an unfortunate perception of partiality and selective enforcement,” which it argues is against the commission’s legal mandate to remain neutral.
“An umpire must not be seen to lean toward any political actor,” wrote lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, APC secretary general. “The Commission’s legitimacy rests on its ability to demonstrate fairness, balance, and even-handedness in all dealings with political parties.”
To resolve the issue, the APC has now requested that the PPRC provide full, unedited, and verifiable evidence to show the basis of the allegation against Hon. Lahai Marah, adding that no fine or sanction should be enforced until the party has seen the evidence and given the chance to respond.
The party said that once genuine and verified evidence is provided, it will activate its internal disciplinary systems in accordance with its constitution.
Lawyer Dumbuya ended by reaffirming his party’s commitment to a ‘joint agreement’ signed on 11th November 2025, which aims to promote peace, stability, and restraint. However, it insisted that all political actors and institutions must follow the same standards of fairness.
