APC’s Sorie Sesay Warns Against ‘Ownership’ Claims Over Constituency Executives

All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer aspirant Sorie Sulaiman Sesay has cautioned against claims of “ownership” over newly elected constituency executives, arguing that party structures should not be treated as the property of individual aspirants or political stakeholders ahead of the party’s flagbearer contest.

In a statement, Sesay said the conclusion of the APC constituency executive elections has created a situation where different stakeholders and aspirants may seek to associate themselves with the same executives based on political relationships, support provided during elections, or longstanding connections.

He argued that such relationships should not automatically be interpreted as political allegiance, stressing that constituency executives were elected to serve the party and strengthen its structures.

“Our constituency executives were not elected to become the property of district or regional leaders, stakeholders, or flagbearer aspirants. They were elected as officers of the All Peoples Congress,” Sesay stated.

Sesay acknowledged that aspirants have the right to engage executives, present their visions, and seek their support during the flagbearer race. However, he said there is a clear difference between earning someone’s confidence and claiming ownership over them.

“Aspirants should engage them, persuade them and compete for their confidence. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But there is an important difference between earning someone’s support and claiming ownership of them,” he said.

The APC aspirant warned that repeatedly portraying executives as belonging to particular aspirants or camps could create divisions within the party, especially after the flagbearer contest when members will be expected to work together.

He said internal competition should not weaken the structures that the eventual APC leader will need, adding that political contests come and go but the party must remain united.

“The party structures must remain capable of working together afterwards. Aspirants will come and go. Internal contests will begin and end. But the party structures must remain capable of working together,” Sesay said.

Sesay also cautioned against interpreting financial support, personal relationships, or assistance during constituency elections as automatic evidence of loyalty in the flagbearer race.

“Support received during an election should not automatically be confused with allegiance in the flagbearer contest,” he said.

He maintained that constituency executives have responsibilities beyond the internal leadership contest, including organising the party at grassroots level, mobilising members, communicating the APC message, and strengthening the party’s presence.

“The newly elected constituency executives belong first and foremost to the All Peoples Congress. Their real assignment is not to build somebody’s faction. It is to help build a stronger APC,” Sesay added.

His comments come as the APC prepares for its flagbearer contest, with newly elected constituency executives expected to play an important role in the party’s internal political process.