APC Refuses to Pay Fine for Zainab Sheriff's Remarks

APC Refuses to Pay Fine for Zainab Sheriff's Remarks

The All People's Congress (APC) has officially stated that it will not remit the fine imposed on party member and entertainer Zainab Sheriff by the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC).

During an appearance on Liberty Online TV, APC National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Sidi Yayah Tunis clarified that the remarks for which Sheriff was fined were not made during an official APC event nor in the presence of the party's leadership. He emphasized a distinction between the circumstances of the statements made by the Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya, and those made by Zainab Sheriff.

Tunis explained that the Secretary General's comments occurred at an officially sanctioned APC program with leadership present, whereas Sheriff was not an official invitee, and her statements were delivered without the attendance of party officials. Consequently, the APC asserts it bears no responsibility for her specific remarks.

“Whatever Zainab may have said and PPRC wants APC to take responsibility for, it was not in our presence,” Tunis stated. “We will not pay for Zainab Sheriff.”

This declaration follows the PPRC's decision to fine the APC concerning allegedly profane and provocative remarks made during a significant party rally at Attouga Mini Stadium, which included statements from both the Secretary General and Zainab Sheriff. Notably, Sheriff had previously rejected the fine and publicly maintained she would pursue legal action if the party were to pay it on her behalf.

The APC leadership’s clarification highlights the party's formal distinction between official communications and individual statements made outside the recognized party program or agenda, underscoring the ongoing regulatory complexities between the PPRC and the APC regarding political conduct enforcement.