APC Challenges Government on Interim Political Head, Citing Legal Gaps

APC Challenges Government on Interim Political Head, Citing Legal Gaps

The All Peoples Congress (APC) has formally declared its opposition to the government's introduction of an interim political head; to oversee local councils. The party maintains that the designation is inconsistent with current legislative frameworks and represents an unauthorized attempt to establish acting mayoral roles.

In correspondence addressed to the Minister of Finance on April 3, 2026, APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya detailed legal concerns regarding a directive authorizing interim political heads to approve financial transactions. The directive intended to facilitate service delivery, but the APC contends this lacks a sufficient legal basis.

The APC asserts that the position of interim political head" is not recognized under the Local Government Act (2022), the Public Financial Management Act (2016), or associated regulatory instruments. Consequently, the party argues that the role falls outside the established legal governance structure for local councils.

The party further posits that this directive serves as a mechanism to justify the appointment of an Acting Mayor; specifically within the Freetown City Council, a position for which they claim there is no existing legal provision.

Furthermore, the APC stated that the current absence of its mayors, resulting from a governance boycott, does not legally constitute a vacancy. The party referenced specific conditions within the Local Government Act that must be met for a vacancy to be declared, asserting these conditions have not been fulfilled.

The party also highlighted that Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) councillors currently lack the necessary quorum to conduct official council business or exercise executive authority in accordance with legislative requirements.

The APC cautioned that implementing an interim political head could lead to the establishment of parallel authority structures, potentially impacting the consistency of democratic governance at the local level.

Reiterating its stance on adherence to constitutional governance, the APC requested that the Ministry of Finance ensure all administrative procedures remain strictly within the confines of established law to avoid procedural misapplication.