By Ibrahim Koroma – USA
Fresh concerns have emerged over the transparency of the upcoming APC Diaspora 6th Region District Elections, following revelations that two declared candidates, Alfred Kebbie Sesay and Noah Kabia, participated in a private meeting organised by the Diaspora Port Loko Executive to vote on the proposed venue for the elections.
The meeting, reportedly held without the participation of other aspirants, has triggered widespread criticism and accusations of bias. At the center of the controversy is the fact that both Kebbie Sesay and Kabia are not only sitting executive members, but are also candidates in the same race. Kebbie Sesay currently serves as Chairman of the Diaspora 6th Region, and Kabia as Vice Chairman. Both are now contesting for the position of Chairman, the same office being sought by Adams Bangura.
Adams Bangura has written to the party’s National Executive, urging immediate intervention. In his letter, he highlights the involvement of the two rival aspirants in a process that directly affects the outcome of the elections, and argues that it compromises the integrity of the process.
“This is not just a procedural issue,” Bangura said in an interview. “This is about trust in the process. No aspirant should be in a position to influence decisions that affect the election in which they are a contender. Either all aspirants are consulted or none are. Anything less is an invitation to suspicion and division.”
Article 29 (h) of the APC Constitution stipulates that election procedures at all levels, including in the Diaspora, must be outlined and conducted by the Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC) and approved by the National Advisory Committee (NAC). That mandate, critics argue, leaves no room for individual executive members or aspirants to unilaterally organise or influence critical logistical decisions such as location.
Legal experts within the party have warned that any decisions taken outside the prescribed framework may not only delegitimise the elections, but could also expose the party to potential legal disputes.
Calls are now growing for the National Executive to suspend any venue decisions made under the current circumstances and to establish a neutral, non-contesting body to oversee the election process. Several districts across the Diaspora have echoed this position, emphasising the need for even-handedness and transparency to preserve party unity.
Observers and supporters alike are also encouraging the party to consider alternative voting models, including proxy or remote voting, to ensure broader participation and reduce tensions around physical location. With party members spread across multiple countries in the Diaspora, a more inclusive approach is seen as both practical and fair.
“This election is not just about filling a seat,” Bangura added. “It is about building a stronger and more credible APC in the Diaspora. That starts with a process everyone can believe in.”
As the party looks toward what could be a pivotal moment for its Diaspora presence, the decisions made in the coming days may define not only the outcome of the election, but also the direction of the APC’s standing abroad. The leadership is now under pressure to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the integrity of the process is not compromised